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.
Millions of people across Oklahoma, southern Kansas at risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms
Portugal marks the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution army coup that brought democracy
Defending champion Golden Knights beat Stars 3
Portugal marks the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution army coup that brought democracy
Lidia Bastianich, Melody Thomas Scott and Ed Scott to receive Daytime Emmys lifetime achievement
Electric cars and digital connectivity dominate at Beijing auto show
Ramen is more than just a bowl of noodles, it is an experience and tourist attraction in Japan
O’Neill has a goal and an assist, Montreal clinches a playoff berth with 5
Turkey says it has carried out new airstrikes against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq
Zendaya dazzles on Variety cover with her Challengers co