Russia holds ‘massive nuclear counterstrike’ drills

Russian media claim military exercises involving land, sea and air components of the Russian nuclear triad were practiced, which involved ballistic and cruise missile launches. Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Defence Minister, added that the exercises were practicing "delivering a massive nuclear strike by strategic offensive forces in response to an enemy nuclear strike".

The drills saw the test-firing of a Yars land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Missiles were launched at the Kura missile test range from the Barents Sea. As part of the drill, the Tu-95 strategic bombers set off cruise missiles at practice targets.

The media claim that all tasks set for the exercise were fulfilled and all the missiles that were test-fired reached their designated targets.

• On October 26, Russia gave Washington a notice it intended to stage routine drills of its nuclear capabilities, thus complying with the terms of the last US-Russia arms control agreement.