Russian forces readied for missile launches during nuclear drills — top brass

MOSCOW, May 21. /TASS/. Military units and formations of the Strategic Missile Force, the Northern and Pacific Fleets and long-range aviation have been readied for missile launches during major nuclear drills in Russia, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

"As part of the nuclear forces exercise, military units and formations of the Strategic Missile Force, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, long-range aviation, the Leningrad and Central Military Districts have conducted measures to get ready for accomplishing combat assignments of carrying out missile launches," the ministry said in a statement.

Russian mobile strategic missile systems have deployed to field positions during the drills, the ministry reported.

"Mobile strategic missile systems have moved along combat patrol routes and deployed to field positions," the ministry said.

Russia’s Aerospace Forces are practicing measures to arm Kinzhal hypersonic missiles with nuclear warheads and perform flights to patrol areas during the drills, it said.