MOSCOW, Oct 22 (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday oversaw a test of Russia’s nuclear forces on land, sea and air to rehearse their readiness and command structure.

The test included the launch of a land-based “Yars” intercontinental ballistic missile from a cosmodrome, the launch of a “Sineva” ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea, and the launch of nuclear-capable cruise missiles from strategic bombers.

Russia carries out regular drills of its nuclear forces to put them through their paces and to remind adversaries that it holds the world’s largest nuclear arsenal at a period of soaring East-West tensions.

Item 1 of 5 A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launches from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome during a military exercise of Russia’s nuclear forces on land, sea and air held to rehearse their readiness and command structure, in the Arkhangelsk region, Russia, in this still image taken from video released October 22, 2025. Russian Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. WATERMARK FROM SOURCE.

[1/5] A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launches from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome during a military exercise of Russia’s nuclear forces on land, sea and air held to rehearse their readiness and command structure, in the Arkhangelsk region, Russia, in this still image taken from video released… Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab Read more

“The exercise tested the level of preparedness of the military command and the practical skills of the operational personnel in organising the control of subordinate forces,” the Kremlin said in a statement.

“All exercise tasks were completed”.

NATO began its own annual nuclear exercises earlier this month, with F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers among some 60 aircraft from 13 nations taking part in the Steadfast Noon exercise, hosted by Belgium and The Netherlands.

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