The Russian Federation has notified the United States of America about carrying out the annual nuclear exercises Grom-2022, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder said during a briefing.
“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,” Ryder is quoted saying.
He did not provide any additional information on when the exercises would start or their specifics.
According to Reuters, the US expects Russia to carry out “test launches of missiles” during the exercises. The agency notes that Russia has previously launched inter-continental ballistic missiles at Grom drills.
“While Russia engages in unprovoked aggression and reckless nuclear rhetoric, these notification measures do ensure we're not taken by surprise and reduce the risks of misperception,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.
Moreover, NATO has been conducting its own annual nuclear drills Steadfast Afternoon since 17 October. They will continue until 30 October.
It is noted that 14 countries and up to 60 aircraft of various types, “including fourth and fifth generation fighter jets, as well as surveillance and tanker aircraft” are participating in the drills. Training flights are taking place over Belgium, as well as the North Sea and the United Kingdom.
The last time the Grom drills were conducted was on 19 February 2022.
During those drills, launches of hypersonic aero-ballistic missiles Kinzhal, cruise missiles Kalibr, and a hypersonic missile Zircon were carried out; furthermore, a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile Yars was conducted.
