Russia’s Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu announced that a drill on delivering a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy’s nuclear strike has been conducted under command of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Telegram channel Zvezda reports.
Chief of the General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported the use of the Yars mobile ground missile system, strategic missile submarine Tula of the Russian Northern Fleet, and two strategic long-range missile carriers Tu-95MS in the drill.
The Kremlin clarifies in a statement that the drills began at the Kura Missile Test Range, Kamchatka. “The tasks planned for the training of strategic deterrence forces have been fully completed, all the missiles reached their targets, thus confirming specified characteristics,” the statement reads.
Yars is a strategic missile complex with a mobile and silo-based thermonuclear armed intercontinental ballistic missile with multiple warheads. It was put into service in 2009, with the first test occurring on 29 May 2007.
Tula is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine designed for the Project 667BDRM Delfin. It was launched on 22 January 1987. Its surface speed is 14 knots, underwater speed — 24 knots.
Tu-95MS is considered the fastest aircraft in the world with turboprop engines. The first Tu-95 flight occurred on 12 November 1952; the aircraft were put into service in April 1956.
Earlier today, Russia notified the United States of America about carrying out the annual nuclear exercises Grom-2022. “Yes, the U.S. was notified. And as we've highlighted before, this is a routine annual exercise by Russia. And so, in this regard, Russia is complying with its arms control obligations, and its transparency commitments to -- to make those notifications,” Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder is quoted saying. Moreover, NATO has been conducting its own annual nuclear drills Steadfast Afternoon since 17 October. They will continue until 30 October.
