Putin tests NUCLEAR WEAPONS in major show of force amidst rising Russia tensions with West (Sourceexpress.co.uk)

RUSSIA conducted a massive nuclear weapons test yesterday, involving both naval and air forces at both ends of the country in a dramatic warning to potential rivals, as tensions with the West remain high.

The tests were conducted by ships from Russia’s North and Pacific fleets, as well as the long-range bombers from the Russian Air Force. Four different targets were hit in Russia and neighbouring Kazakhstan, where the Russian military maintains a major presence.

Ballistic missiles were fired from nuclear submarines in both the Barents Sea, to the north of Russia, and the Sea of Okhotsk in the Pacific. Cruise missiles were also tested by long-range strategic bombers.

The aircraft deployed included Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 bombers, all of which came into service during the Soviet era. The missiles were tracked by Russian early warning systems. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the exercise allowed them to test their nuclear chain of command, from the main command room to each frontline unit. Videos released by the Ministry show missiles being launched by submarines and long-range bombers taking off from an airport. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia has significantly modernised its nuclear arsenal in recent years.

He used his annual state-of-the-nation address back in March to announce that Russia has developed several new types of nuclear weapon. That included the Avanguard intercontinental missile, which is capable of travelling at 20 times the speed of sound. According to the Russian government the Avanguard is “absolutely invulnerable for any missile defence system”.