Russia: Topol missiles, strategic rocket forces head for large-scale drills in Yoshkar-Ola

The Russian missile regiment completed a 50 km (31 mile) over-night march across Mari El Republic, north of Kazan, Thursday. The regiment carrying a column of six RS-12PM Topol intercontinental ballistic missiles left its base to take part in drills which will take place in Yoshkar-Ola. Units have been ordered to take part in large-scale exercises involving Russia's strategic rocket forces. In total over 3,000 servicemen and 200 units of equipment will be taking part in the exercises. During these exercises the camouflage of the ground missile systems will be tested and the divisions will counter attack an artificial assault. The units will test the level of interaction with the units of the so-called Central Military District defence area.