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On October 26, Russia launched large-scale strategic exercises of nuclear forces. Thunder-2022 exercises include the completion of a wide variety of tasks, with the interaction of all strategic forces of the Russian Federation.
Exercises were held at military training grounds to test a nuclear strike in response to the alleged nuclear attack against the Russian Federation by enemy forces. Various intercontinental and cruise missiles were launched. Launches from nuclear submarines, mobile missile systems and long-range aircraft were practiced. Russian President Vladimir Putin observed the training session.
The Yars intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome located in the Russian Arkhangelsk Oblast. The Sineva ballistic missile was launched from a nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea. The missiles reached the Kura missile test range located in northern Kamchatka Krai in the Russian Far East. Tu-95MS long-range aircraft, which launched air-launched cruise missiles, were also involved in the exercises.
The Kremlin confirmed that the test launches were successful and the missiles reached their target.
Strategic exercises involving nuclear forces are aimed at maintaining the combat readiness of strategic nuclear forces at a high level and to work the interaction between various units.
Such exercises are conducted on a regular basis and Moscow informed the other countries about them in advance. Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder confirmed that Washington had received a notification from Russia about the annual Thunder nuclear exercises and that transparency requirements have been met.
The previous Russian exercises, which included the nuclear triad, were held on February 17, 2022.
On 17 October 2022, NATO also launched a two-week exercise Steadfast Noon to train nuclear deterrence capabilities involving dozens of aircraft over north-western Europe. In turn, the Alliance clarified that the exercise, which runs until 30 October, is a routine, recurring training activity and it is not linked to any current world events.
