MOSCOW, May 19 (Reuters) – Russia on Tuesday begins three days of nuclear drills that will include the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, the defence ministry said.
The exercises, involving 64,000 people and 7,800 pieces of military equipment, will rehearse “the preparation and use of nuclear forces in the event of aggression”.
Russian rocket forces, the Northern and Pacific fleets, long-range aviation and units from the Leningrad and Central military regions will take part, the ministry said.
Over 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships and 13 submarines including eight strategic nuclear submarines will be involved.
The drills will also include training in how to use Russian tactical nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus, the ministry said.
(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou and Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
