Russia and Belarus Complete Joint Nuclear Forces Exercise
According to a report by Reference News Network on May 24, Russian President Putin announced on May 21 that the tasks of the nuclear forces exercise have been fully completed.
He said, “It is important to further enhance the readiness level of our strategic and tactical nuclear forces and to develop all components of our nuclear forces. At the same time, we have no intention of getting involved in an arms race. Our nuclear triad will be maintained at a necessary and sufficient level.”
On the 21st, Putin remotely commanded the nuclear exercise of the two countries via video link with Belarusian President Lukashenko.
Putin also stated that Russia is committed to the step-by-step development of the nuclear triad, and the “Iskander” missile system was used appropriately during the exercise.
He emphasized that the “Sarmat” missile is capable of overcoming all existing and future missile defense systems.
The exercise practiced the use of intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and air-launched cruise missiles.
For the exercise, the “Yars” missile was launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The Belarusian military launched the “Iskander”-M missile from the Kapustin Yar test site. The naval fleet utilized the “Zircon” and “P-800 Oniks” missiles.
According to a report by the Associated Press, on the 21st, the joint nuclear exercise between Russia and neighboring Belarus entered its final phase. Trucks carrying intercontinental ballistic missiles rumbled along forest roads, nuclear submarines set sail from Arctic and Pacific ports, and crew members quickly boarded to prepare for combat.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the exercise began on the 19th and lasted for three days, involving 64,000 troops, over 200 missile launch systems, more than 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships, and 13 submarines, of which 8 submarines were equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads. The core subject of the exercise was the readiness and practical application of nuclear forces in the event of an invasion threat.
The exercise also practiced coordinated operations with Belarus. Russian nuclear weapons are deployed within Belarus, and the latest “Yars” missile system is among them. (Translated by Li Ran and Xu Yanhong)
Russian President Putin announced the completion of joint nuclear exercises with Belarus on May 21, 2023. The exercises, which began on May 19, involved 64,000 troops and included the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles. Key locations included Plesetsk Cosmodrome and Kapustin Yar, with naval forces also participating. The drills emphasized nuclear readiness in response to potential threats.
- Russian President Putin announced the completion of nuclear exercises on May 21, 2023.
- The exercises involved 64,000 troops and various missile systems.
- Missiles launched included Yars, Iskander-M, and naval missiles from submarines.
- Exercises were conducted in collaboration with Belarusian forces.
- The core focus was on nuclear readiness and operational use in response to threats.