Russia's nuclear forces launch drills

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russia on Wednesday said its armed forces are conducting drills that include the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile.

The Strategic Rocket Forces, the country’s main nuclear deterrence unit, are carrying out training exercises in the western Ivanovo region with some 1,000 personnel and over 100 pieces of equipment, according to the Defense Ministry.

During the drills, Russian forces will work on “bringing missile systems to field positions, making marches up to 100 kilometers (62 miles), organizing camouflage and other tasks,” the ministry said.

The main goal is to “improve the level of training of personnel and the coherence of formations and military units of the Strategic Rocket Forces,” it added.