Russian Ministry of Defence

Russia’s Ministry of Defence has announced the initiation of the third phase of nuclear exercises, focusing on non-strategic nuclear forces, including the utilisation of “Iskander” missile systems.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence on the messaging platform Telegram, the exercises are being carried out by personnel from the missile units of the Southern and Central Military Districts of Russia.

The drills include practicing the receipt of specialised training munitions for the “Iskander-M” operational-tactical missile systems. These operations involve loading these munitions onto missile carriers and discreetly deploying them to designated positions in preparation for simulated electronic launches.

Additionally, the personnel from the aviation units of the Russian Aerospace Forces are set to practice equipping air-launched weapons with special combat payloads. These units will also undertake patrol missions in assigned areas as part of the exercise.

This phase of training follows a previous stage conducted in June, which also involved Russian and Belarusian military forces. During that earlier phase, the focus was on the preparation for the potential combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.