Putin supervises the testing of Russian nuclear capabilities

Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin supervised a test of Russian nuclear forces on land, sea and air to train on their readiness and command structure.

The test included the launch of a Yaris intercontinental ballistic missile from a space base, the launch of a Sineva ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea, and the launch of nuclear-capable cruise missiles from strategic bombers.

Russia periodically conducts maneuvers for its nuclear forces to test them and remind its opponents that it possesses the largest nuclear arsenal in the world during a period of rising tension between the East and the West.

The Kremlin said in a statement: “The maneuvers tested the level of readiness of the military command and the practical skills of operational personnel in organizing control of its forces,” adding: “All training tasks have been completed.”

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) began its annual nuclear exercises earlier this month, with the participation of about 60 aircraft from 13 countries, including F-35A fighters and B-52 bombers, as part of the Steadfast Noon exercises hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.