The command post exercise mostly aims to check the combat readiness of the Northern Fleet’s units and its strategic nuclear force.
The exercise involves 10 warships and supply ships, including the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and the nuclear-powered missile cruiser Peter the Great, 6 strategic missile submarines and attack submarines, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) planes, ship-borne helicopters, air-force fighters and 5,000 officers and men.
The exercise is taking place in all six Russian military districts. Those involved are streamlining new methods for using strategic offensive arms and the elements of strategic nuclear forces and general-purpose forces. The exercise will also confirm the conclusions of Russian military science and the provisions of Armed Forces manuals.
The strategic command post exercise takes into account global changes, as well as military and other threats. The units involved are practicing long-range regrouping and are being assessed on their ability to accomplish specific objectives.
Chief of the General Staff Anatoly Kvashnin and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov oversee the exercise.
Under the START-1 Treaty, the US Department of Defence was informed about the start of the CPX.