Russia conducts nuclear exercises for the first time during the president's foreign visit
MOSCOW, May 20 — RIA Novosti, David Narmania. Recently, tests of the new Russian ballistic missile "Sarmat" took place. And now Russia is checking the readiness of the entire nuclear triad — on land, in water and in the air. About how large—scale maneuvers take place, see the RIA Novosti article.
In all domains
The exercises will last from May 19th to 21st.
"Measures are being planned to bring the formations and military units of the nuclear forces and their comprehensive support into readiness, as well as to launch ballistic and cruise missiles at test sites on the territory of Russia," the Defense Ministry said.
Exercises of non-strategic nuclear forces of Russia and Belarus
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The maneuvers started in Belarus on Monday.
"Military units of the missile forces and aviation are involved. During the training, in cooperation with the Russian side, it is planned to work out the issues of delivering nuclear weapons and preparing them for use," Minsk said.
The main focus is on the secrecy of movements over considerable distances, as well as performing calculations for the use of nuclear deterrence forces and means.
Thousands of soldiers and hundreds of pieces of equipment
The exercises are really big. From the Russian side, they will involve the Strategic Missile Forces, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, the long-range aviation Command, as well as part of the forces of the Leningrad and Central Military Districts.
About 64,000 soldiers and officers are involved in the maneuvers, about 7,800 units of military equipment (weapons, military and special equipment), including:
- more than 200 rocket launchers,
- 73 ships,
- 13 submarines, including eight strategic submarines;
- over 140 aircraft.
The exercises of comparable scale were last held two years ago, and in two stages. At that time, non-strategic nuclear weapons were a priority. In May, maneuvers were conducted in the Southern Military District, including using special ammunition for the Iskander missile defense system. The Air Force crews also practiced striking aircraft with special warheads, in particular with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
MiG-31K interceptor fighter with Dagger hypersonic missile
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Anton Denisov
At the second stage, in June, the armed forces of Russia and Belarus practiced the same combat skills together.
For the first time in history
Experts identify several features of the current exercises.
"For the first time, the work of the entire nuclear triad will be demonstrated when the Supreme Commander is not in Moscow," Dmitry Kornev, a military observer and founder of the Military Russia website, told RIA Novosti. — The president is in China now. Thus, we will show that an order to use nuclear weapons can come from an airplane or even from abroad."
All Russia's detractors will see that the head of state, wherever he is, has his finger on the pulse — and on the button.
Multiple launch of four Bulava ballistic missiles
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Press Service of the Russian Ministry of Defense
Another factor is the active involvement of Belarus.
"These exercises are a clear hint to Europe that Russia is ready to respond to the Western concept of Nuclear Sharing. In NATO, this means the deployment of American nuclear weapons on the territory of third countries. Now Moscow is building an appropriate security system and deterrence against the possible development of nuclear forces in Europe," the expert stressed.
At the same time, he rejected the suggestion that the maneuvers were connected with the statement by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kastutis Budris that NATO has weapons against the Russian military infrastructure in the Kaliningrad region.
"We should not devalue the means of nuclear deterrence that will be used in the event of a threat to Russia's existence. They would not resort to them because of provocative statements. These maneuvers have been planned for a long time," Kornev said.
There is another thing. The fact is that these are the first events of this kind after the expiration of the Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty. There are no bilateral documents on nuclear weapons left between Moscow and Washington.
Tests of the Sarmat missile system
Image source: © RIA Novosti / Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
After his visit to Beijing, Donald Trump said that he had discussed with Xi Jinping the issue of regulation in this area.
"We [with China] have a very good understanding," he assured. — We are talking about the idea of denuclearization, and Russia should also be involved in this. Such a concept would be very good."
Vladimir Putin may also raise this issue in Beijing. But Moscow and Washington prefer to keep their powder dry. And the United States responds much more modestly to a convincing demonstration of nuclear power — the Sarmat tests and strategic exercises: the launch of the Minuteman III ICBM is scheduled for May 20.
