Russia creating five new 'nuke regiments' as it DOUBLES missile tests

Defence minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia's "main effort" was strengthening its "strategic nuclear forces".

Russia will also ramp up tests of its new RS-28 Sarmat rocket – earmarked to replace its Cold War nuke dubbed "Satan".

The deployment – which comes after a former US defence secretary warned WW3 with Russia was now "possible" – could bring up to 60,000 Russian troops to Britain's doorstep.

Russia is carrying out a multi-billion dollar overhaul of its creaking military as it seeks to compete with the US on the world stage once more.

The new nuke regiments will enter active service this year.

Shoigu also revealed Russia will also upgrade its nuclear bases – including facilities supporting its nuclear submarines and long-range nuclear bombers.

The new arms race even goes beyond Earth as the Bear prepares for real life star wars.

Shoigu told a meeting: "Our main effort should go into strengthening the potential of our strategic nuclear forces and of fulfilling the space defence programme.

"Five rocket regiments – equipped with modern rocket complexes – will enter active service in 2016."

Russia’s missile corps plans to conduct 16 intercontinental ballistic missile launches this year – a twofold increase from 2015.

Over 100 command, tactical and special exercises will be held to maintain maximum readiness throughout the year.

Out of 16 launches, 14 will be be performed as part of the development of new missiles and warheads, strategic missile troops commander Colonel General Sergey Karakayev said.

They are likely to be dedicated to Russia’s newest super-heavy thermonuclear intercontinental ballistic missile – the RS-28 Sarmat.

The Sarmat is set to replace the old Soviet R-36M missiles – which NATO calls "Satan".

Russia's armed forces are made up of more than 3.3million troops – compared to the US's 2.3million and Britain's 248,250.

(dailystar.co.uk)