Russia’s Defense Ministry said Monday that the military would hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons — the first time such an exercise has been publicly announced by Moscow.
A look at tactical nuclear weapons and the part they play in the Kremlin’s political messaging.
Unlike nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles that can destroy entire cities, tactical nuclear weapons for use against troops on the battlefield are less powerful and can have a yield as small as about 1 kiloton. The U.S. bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II was 15 kilotons.
Such battlefield nuclear weapons — aerial bombs, warheads for short-range missiles or artillery munitions — can be very compact. Their small size allows them to be discreetly carried on a truck or plane.
Unlike strategic weapons, which have been subject to arms control agreements between Moscow and Washington, tactical weapons never have been limited by any such pacts, and Russia hasn’t released their numbers or any other specifics related to them.
Atalanta comes from behind to beat Salernitana and improve Champions League chances
KCAL Los Angeles to broadcast 5 Orange County SC away games
Parents of Michigan school shooter sentenced to up to 15 years in prison
Joe Biden says US 'considering' dropping pursuit of Julian Assange
Moyes leaving West Ham at the end of the season. Lopetegui linked as the replacement
Corrections defends pace of change: 'There is no reluctance'
7 students injured after crash near La Habra high school
Closure of HK's Music Zone leaves a hole in local indie scene
Russia defends veto of UN resolution to prohibit nukes in outer space
Youth councillor 'shocked' by decision to axe council