Russia Shows Iskander-M Nuclear Warhead Drill in 64,000-Troop Exercise as NATO Tensions Rise
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 20
Russia Shows Iskander-M Nuclear Warhead Drill in 64,000-Troop Exercise as NATO Tensions Rise
13 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 20
Russia released footage showing troops delivering nuclear warheads to mobile Iskander-M launchers, loading them and moving to firing positions in a three-day nuclear exercise across Russia and Belarus.
The Defence Ministry said the drill rehearses bringing forces to the highest combat readiness for nuclear use and includes launch procedures for tactical nuclear weapons based in Belarus.
The exercise involves 64,000 personnel, more than 200 missile launchers, 140 aircraft, 73 surface ships and 13 submarines; the ministry did not disclose the training locations.
Iskander-M missiles can strike targets up to 500 km away and carry either conventional or nuclear warheads, putting Ukraine and several NATO members in range from Belarus or Kaliningrad.
The display comes as Moscow casts the Ukraine war as an existential conflict with the West, while a senior Russian diplomat warned this week that the risk of a direct Russia-NATO clash is growing.
Is Russia’s nuclear drill a sign of strength or a desperate bluff from a power in decline?
Are Russia's nuclear threats a calculated strategy or a sign its war in Ukraine is failing?
Russia’s May 2026 Nuclear Readiness Drills: Scope, Strategy, and Global Security Risks
Overview
In May 2026, Russia launched a major nuclear readiness drill spanning both Russian and Belarusian territories, with exercises starting around May 18 and lasting three days. The main goal was to test the readiness of Russia’s non-strategic nuclear forces, using dummy warheads instead of live munitions. The drills involved a wide range of military units, including the Strategic Missile Forces, naval fleets, long-range aviation, and ground forces from key military districts. Belarusian troops also participated, working closely with Russian forces on combat training tasks related to nuclear weapon use, highlighting the broad scope and cooperation in these strategic exercises.