On October 15, Russia initiated a major drill of its Strategic Missile Force Dubbed “Thunder 2019,” the exercises are expected to conclude on October 17. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the drill will involve 12,000 troops, 213 missile launchers, 105 aircraft, 15 surface ships, 5 submarines, and 310 items of additional hardware. Russia plans to test launch 16 ballistic and cruise missiles, including one SS-N-23, one RS-24, and two SS-N-18 ballistic missiles.