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.
Number of migrant birds increases in Ulungur Lake National Wetland Park
Fury at 'insane' NYC cops who fined mother for letting her four
Monica Garcia's baby daddy revealed to be Braxton Knight, 29
Distressing moment horse is rescued after falling into a Florida pond
Xi Story: Xi's Commitment to Empowering Chinese Children
Thierry Henry predicts Phil Foden's stunning goal in 3
Netflix fans go wild over 'absolutely brilliant' new drama but are surprised by a shock cameo
Government delayed vape rules to suit retailers, campaigners say
Sunrise scene in east China's Jiangsu
The Talk CANCELLED! Daytime series to end with season 15
China's Changde boasts great area of wetlands
Kirsten Dunst says she STILL gets a Christmas cake from Interview With The Vampire co