Putin oversees nuclear triad exercises from his bunker
A Delta-IV class ballistic missile submarine in the Barents Sea participated as Russia’s anticipated large-scale nuclear drills took place on Tuesday.
It was the Northern Fleet SSBN Novomoskovsk that launched a Sineva missile from the Barents Sea, the Defense Ministry reported. Simultaneously, a Bulava missile was launched from the Pacific Fleet’s Borei-class submarine Knyaz Oleg.
The two ballistic missiles crossed the Arctic skies and reportedly hit their targets. This information is not verified by independent sources.
At the same time, a Yars ballistic missile was launched from Plesetsk cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region.
“I would like to point out right away that Russia confirms its fundamental position that the use of nuclear weapons is an extreme, exceptional measure to ensure state security,” Putin said as the commanders of the triad; sea, air and land-based, were listening on video-links.
A recording of the session is posted by the Kremlin.
Exercise to test preparedness
The nuclear weapons exercises were conducted from the National Defense Control Center, headed by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov.
The air-leg of Russia’s nuclear triad participated with Tu-95MS long-range bombers launching cruise missiles.
Minister Belousov said one aim of the exercises was to check the level of preparedness of military command bodies and the skills of the management and operational staff in organizing the management of subordinate forces.
Another aim was obviously to signal Russia’s deterrence to potential enemies.
“Given the growing geopolitical tensions and the emergence of new external threats and risks, it is important to have modern strategic forces that are constantly ready for combat use,” Putin said.
Plan to modernize nuclear weapons
He made clear that Russia will continue to modernize its nuclear weapons.
“We will continue to improve all their components. We have the resources to do so,” Putin said.
He noted that it is not a question about a new arms race.
“I would like to emphasize that we are not going to get involved in a new arms race, but we will maintain nuclear forces at the necessary sufficiency level.”
The exercises testing all legs of the nuclear triad is an annual event normally taking place in the autumn.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Canadian military says it has tracked, stopped China surveillance in Arctic waters, The Canadian Press
Finland: Northern transport links must be improved for security reasons says Finland, Yle news
Denmark: Nordics consider joint procurement of infantry fighting vehicle, The Independent Barents Observer
Iceland: Arctic allies meet in Iceland to tackle growing security challenges, climate, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Norway defence budget to ensure armed forces strong enough to deter Russia, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Russian defence minister visits naval infantry brigade near Nordic NATO border, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Sweden announces sweeping defence bill amidst increasing geopolitical tensions, Radio Sweden
United States: Startling video shows Russian fighter jet flying within feet of U.S. F-16 near Alaska, The Associated Press
