Russia is conducting experiments at the Novaya Zemlya test site aimed at verifying the reliability of its nuclear arsenal, said Major General Igor Kolesnikov, head of the 12th Main Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry. According to him, the “explosive experiments” carried out at the test site are non-nuclear, since in 2000 Russia ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
“Therefore (due to the ratification of the CTBT – Kommersant ) we are now conducting non-nuclear explosive experiments. Non-nuclear experiments are being conducted to confirm the reliability of the existing nuclear ammunition, ”said Mr. Kolesnikov on the Zvezda TV channel (quoted by RIA Novosti).
The 12th Main Directorate of the Ministry of Defense (GUMO) is responsible for the storage and operation of nuclear tactical and strategic ammunition. Nuclear tests at the Novaya Zemlya test site were discontinued in 1990.
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