Reference News Network, October 25 report. According to the Russian "Sovershenno Sekretno" website on October 23, on October 22, a Russian strategic nuclear forces exercise was held under the command of President Putin. During the exercise, intercontinental ballistic missiles and air-based cruise missiles were launched. The Russian military launched an "Yars" intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome towards Kamchatka, and a "Bulava" intercontinental ballistic missile from the Barents Sea area, while deploying the Tu-95MS strategic bomber to carry out an air-based cruise missile launch mission.

Military expert Dmitry Kornev believes that the strategic rocket forces, navy forces, and aerospace forces used key weapons systems during the exercise, demonstrating the coordination and technical maturity of the entire military system.

The expert pointed out: "In particular, the test firing of the 'Yars' missile from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome confirmed its status as the main land-based intercontinental ballistic missile."

The 'Yars' missile uses three-stage solid propellant and carries 3 to 4 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), each with a yield of 300,000 to 500,000 tons (the yield of the Hiroshima atomic bomb is 15,000 to 20,000 tons). The missile's mobility gives it high survivability and is the core weapon of the strategic rocket forces, gradually replacing older missiles. Kornev introduced that given that the 'Yars' missile has been in service in the Russian military since 2009, and there are reports that related deployment work is about to be completed, it is reasonable to expect that an upgraded version will emerge and be quickly put into use.

In terms of the navy, the R-29RMU2 "Bulava" submarine-launched ballistic missile is most likely to continue playing a key role. This liquid-fueled missile is deployed on the 667BDRM "Nerpa" class submarines. With an intercontinental range (over 8,000 kilometers) and the ability to carry up to 10 lightweight high-speed warheads, the Bulava is considered an efficient maritime nuclear deterrent. Although these missiles are gradually being replaced by the more advanced "Bulava" missiles carried by the "Borei" class submarines, the Bulava and its carrier are clearly expected to remain in service until at least 2030, which demonstrates its potential after upgrades.

In terms of the air force, Kornev speculated: "The weapon systems used by the air force have always been the highest secrecy. Due to the lack of detailed information about the missiles launched by the Tu-95MS strategic bomber, we can only speculate that they are strategic cruise missiles. The most advanced among them are the non-nuclear version Kh-101 and the nuclear version Kh-102, the latter of which is equipped with a thermonuclear warhead, with an estimated yield of up to 1 million tons."

Kornev also said that considering the overall policy of modernizing the strategic forces, the missiles launched during the exercise were likely the latest models or upgraded versions of the aforementioned missiles, which also explains why the military has kept this information highly confidential.

According to the Russian "Moskovsky Komsomolets" website on October 23, this year's annual Russian strategic nuclear forces exercise, commanded by President Putin, was held against a backdrop of turbulent international circumstances. On one hand, due to the possibility of a summit between Russia and the United States, the relationship between Russia and the US and the prospects for resolving the Ukraine issue seem to show a positive trend. On the other hand, the hawkish faction in the West is extremely active, trying their best to sabotage any possible peace agreements.

Putin emphasized twice when listening to the reports from the Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff that the Russian nuclear forces exercise was planned. That is to say, this is not an emergency or special exercise. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that showcasing Russia's strength in the nuclear field is timely under the current circumstances.

Russia's adversaries showed great interest in this exercise. While the Russian military launched the 'Yars' and 'Bulava' missiles in different areas, three E-3 early warning aircraft were simultaneously circling over eastern Europe.

This also indicates that despite Russia's suspension of the implementation of the U.S.-Russia New START Treaty, as a gesture of goodwill, Russia continues to inform its partners about upcoming strategic missile launches according to the relevant provisions. The treaty is due to expire in February 2026, and Russia has proposed a one-year extension to the United States. If the United States does not support this initiative, Russia will no longer notify before launching missiles. The United States needs to consider this carefully. (Translated by Li Ran)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7565030100991803946/

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