Russia Conducts Major Nuclear Drills Involving Missile Launches, Submarines and Belarus
Russia has launched a major nuclear exercise, running from May 19 to May 21, to practice preparing and employing nuclear forces in response to an aggression threat, according to statements from the Russian Defense Ministry reported by TASS. The drills involve over 64,000 military personnel, more than 7,800 pieces of armament and military equipment, including over 200 missile launchers, more than 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships and 13 submarines, among them eight strategic missile-carrying submarine cruisers.
The exercise brings together the Strategic Missile Force, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, long-range aviation, and elements of the Leningrad and Central Military Districts. According to the Defense Ministry, the drills aim to refine the skills of commanding and operational staff, organize command and control during deterrence measures, inspect the preparedness of military command centers, and practice interoperability and logistical support.
Key Developments During the Drills
Multiple reports detail the activities unfolding during the exercise. Military units of the Strategic Missile Force, Northern and Pacific Fleets, and long-range aviation have been readied for missile launches. Mobile strategic missile systems have moved along combat patrol routes and deployed to field positions. Russia’s Aerospace Forces are practicing equipping Kinzhal hypersonic missiles with nuclear warheads and performing flights to designated patrol areas.
Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines have also deployed to operational areas at naval practice ranges for combat patrols. The Defense Ministry released videos showing Yars road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile systems embarking on combat patrol routes, MiG-31 fighter jets armed with Kinzhal missiles, and other activities from the concluding day of the exercise.
Nuclear Warheads Delivered to Belarus
A separate report, also citing the Defense Ministry, states that Russian troops delivered nuclear munitions to field storage sites in the deployment area of a missile brigade in Belarus. The personnel of the Belarusian missile brigade are practicing receiving special munitions for Iskander-M theater missile systems, loading launch tubes, and stealthily advancing to designated areas to prepare for launches. The drills are also focused on measures to jointly prepare and employ nuclear weapons based on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, including practicing interoperability for the delivery of nuclear munitions.
Context: Russia’s Strategic Nuclear Forces Exercises Since 2020
TASS notes that Russia’s strategic nuclear forces have conducted command-and-control exercises since 2020. For example, on December 9, 2020, a strategic nuclear forces exercise was held under the direction of President Vladimir Putin, involving ground, sea, and air components, including launches of cruise missiles and a ballistic missile from a submarine. The strategic nuclear forces, which include the Strategic Missile Forces, naval and air components, form the core of Russia’s strategic deterrence forces, designed to deter aggression and defeat an aggressor in war if necessary.
The current exercise is described as a scheduled event of troop training as part of Russia-Belarus Union State measures. As of June 2025, President Putin reported that 95% of Russia’s nuclear forces were equipped with modern weapons.
The Defense Ministry emphasized that the drills will also practice test-launches of ballistic and cruise missiles at practice ranges across Russia. The exercise is set to practice readying some nuclear forces’ units for accomplishing assigned objectives and rendering comprehensive logistical support.