Russia's Defence Ministry announced on Friday that it is currently conducting exercises involving Yars mobile nuclear missile launchers, marking another significant military maneuver shortly after joint tactical nuclear exercises with Belarus.
According to the ministry, crews operating Yars missile launchers in multiple regions are practicing maneuvers covering over 100 kilometers (62 miles), focusing on tasks like camouflage and deployment. Video footage released by the ministry shows a mobile launcher navigating forest roads and being concealed under camouflage netting by troops.
The defence ministry stated that similar drills will be conducted by other missile units in the coming weeks. This comes on the heels of June's tactical nuclear weapons drills with Belarus, which were reportedly a response to perceived threats from Western nations.
President Vladimir Putin previously stated that Russia does not seek to use nuclear weapons in the conflict in Ukraine but hinted at potential adjustments to the nation's nuclear strategy. In a rare statement, Russia’s 12 Main Directorate (12 GU MO), responsible for managing the country’s extensive nuclear arsenal, emphasized that the ongoing drills are being scrutinized for enhancements.
The directorate highlighted its role in overseeing the delivery of nuclear training equipment to storage points and operational airfields, aiming to refine the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces for diverse military scenarios.
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