“On 17 October, under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Vladimir Putin a training exercise was conducted with air, sea and ground components of the strategic deterrence forces as part of a command and staff exercise called Thunder-2019. During the exercise, launches of ballistic and cruise missiles took place,” the Defence Ministry said.
"The tasks stipulated during the training of the strategic deterrence forces were fully implemented, all missiles reached their targets, confirming the specified characteristics," the ministry emphasised.
The ministry said the drills included launches of missiles from submarines, ships, the Yars and Iskander systems and long-range bombers.
It said Russian submarines successfully fired Kalibr cruise missiles at targets in Kamchatka and the Arkhangelsk region.
Since Tuesday, the Russian military has been conducting its Grom (Thunder) 2019 strategic nuclear forces exercises, which, along with the Northern Fleet, involve the Western, Southern and Central Military Districts. The drills are scheduled to end later in the day.
Летчики штурмовиков Су-25СМ3 учились уничтожать средства ПВО противника на Кубани#Минобороны #ПВО #ЮВО #Кубань #Су25СМ3 #Учения pic.twitter.com/fZAHnvbB4l
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) October 17, 2019
The National Center for State Defense Control, which is located in Moscow, constantly monitors and coordinates the Russian military's activities. As the supreme commander-in-chief, President Putin often visits the center to observe military exercises.
