Partof the problemtodaymay have beenthatthe rebel forcessent in for the first timeina long time a lot of very heavy armour. Tanksandrocket launchers were sent in on the ground.
Nikolai Solovtsov, chief of the Strategic RocketForces, told a Russian press agency that the exercise will involve launches of "several" intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
As the enemy forces attacked with even greater ferocity, unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and recoilless rifle rounds, Staff Sergeant Romesha identified the point of attack and directed air support to destroy over 30 enemy fighters.
They also noted the deployment of Russia's most advanced S-400 air defence system in Belarus and a parallel drill conducted by the Strategic RocketForces, the guardians of the Kremlin's nuclear arsenal.