TASS-FACTBOX. From May 19-21, 2026, the Russian Armed Forces are conducting an exercise on the preparation and use of nuclear forces in the event of a threat of aggression. The TASS-FACTBOX editorial team has prepared a summary of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces’ (SNF) drills since 2020.
Strategic deterrence forces, SNF in Russia’s Armed Forces
Russia’s strategic deterrence forces (SDF) are a core component of the Armed Forces. They are designed to deter aggression against Russia and its allies, as well as to defeat an aggressor in a war using various types of weapons, including nuclear weapons. The SDF consist of the strategic offensive forces and strategic defensive forces. The main component of the strategic offensive forces are the strategic nuclear forces (SNF, the nuclear triad). They include the Strategic Missile Forces, a part of the Navy – the naval SNF, and part of the Aerospace Forces – the air-based SNF. The SNF include air defense and missile defense systems, a missile attack warning system, etc.
The formation of the strategic nuclear forces began in the 1950s. Their armament currently consists of fixed and mobile land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) systems, strategic nuclear submarines (SSNs), and strategic bombers armed with strategic air-to-surface cruise missiles and aerial bombs. In June 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin reported that 95% of Russia's nuclear forces were equipped with modern weapons.
