Nuclear Missile Exercises
The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on July 5th that it is conducting exercises involving mobile nuclear missile launchers, just weeks after joint tactical nuclear weapon drills with Belarus. These exercises underscore the heightened military activities in the region amid ongoing tensions with Western powers.
According to Ziare the Ministry, the exercises involve crews from at least two different regions operating Iars missile launchers.
These crews are set to travel over 100 kilometers to practice camouflage and deployment maneuvers. In a demonstration, a mobile launcher was shown navigating forest roads, taking up positions, and being covered with camouflage nets by troops.
Continued Military Drills
The Ministry of Defense stated that similar exercises would be conducted by other missile units in the near future. This follows a pattern of increased military readiness and show of strength by Russia.
In June, Russia, alongside Belarus, conducted tactical nuclear weapon exercises in response to what Moscow perceives as threats from Western powers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously indicated that while Moscow does not see the need to use nuclear weapons to secure victory in Ukraine, the possibility of altering the country’s nuclear doctrine remains on the table.
