Russian Strategic Missile Forces to Begin Counter-Terrorist Exercise

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russian Strategic Missile Forces’ counter-terrorist exercise will start on Tuesday as part of inspection of the southeastern Orenburg Missile Army, the Defense Ministry’s press service said in a statement Monday.

The complex inspection is carried out from March 30 to April 11 in line with the Strategic Missile Troops combat readiness training program.

The main aim of the exercise is to improve the operational performance of commanders and staff officers throughout the chain of command, and enhance practical skills within task forces, units and elements in case of an imminent threat or an actual terrorist attack, according to the statement.

The Orenburg Missile Army is equipped with RT-2PM Topol (NATO reporting name SS-25 Sickle) and R-36М Voyevoda (NATO reporting name SS-18 Satan) intercontinental ballistic missile systems.

The Russian Defense Ministry has announced plans to conduct at least 4,000 military exercises throughout the country in 2015.