Putin, Jinping In tension as US begins nuclear…, B-2 bombers, nuclear missiles, submarines taking part in…

Global Thunder 26: Amid the ongoing tensions with China and Russia, the US Strategic Command has begun its largest annual nuclear exercise — Global Thunder 26. The massive exercise, which started on October 21, witnessed the participation of all nuclear weapons personnel. US strategic forces, along with other units, conduct simulations to prepare for and execute a nuclear war-like scenario. Let’s know more about the military exercise.

What Is Global Thunder 26?

Global Thunder 26 is a major military exercise which engages fighters from all the US nuclear programs, including USSTRATCOM components and subordinate units.

The aim behind Global Thunder 26 is to strengthen the country’s security objectives by boosting combat readiness and showcasing the Command’s warfighting capacity and lethal capabilities. This drill will witness increased bomber and other aircraft flights.

Importantly, the exercise will involve strategic nuclear bombers like B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirits. The aircraft and the fighter pilots will practice minimum interval take-off procedures. Apart from all these drills, the exercise will also include missile operations and submarine readiness exercises.

Why Nuclear Military Exercise Amid Tensions with Russia?

The US Strategic Command specifically mentioned that the military exercise is an annual training event, and US is not conducting it in response to any national or world events or actions.

“This is an annual exercise, not held in response to world events or actions by any nation or entity. USSTRATCOM deters strategic attack through a safe, secure, effective, and credible global combat capability and, when directed, is ready to prevail in conflict,” said US Strategic Command officials website.

However, it can also not be ignored that the exercise, which includes participation of nuclear officials, comes at a time of rising tensions between Russia and the US over the Ukraine war.

President Trump Cancels His Putin Meeting

US President Doland Trump recently cancelled a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Vladivostok. Trump stated that he did not want to participate in a pointless meeting.

It is worth noting that the US has conducted Global Thunder exercises every year since 2014. The drill, which witnesses the participation of nuclear personal, lasts for 10 days.

It is a demonstration of the US’s commitment to maintaining a secure, effective, and credible global warfighting capability.