Russia tests RS-24 Yars intercontinental missile for nuclear capability.

On March 1, 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense released footage of a test of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), aimed at assessing the capabilities of the missile, which is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads. This release closely followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's address to the Federal Assembly on February 29, wherein he mentioned that Russia's strategic nuclear forces are fully operational.
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The Russian defense ministry stated that the Yars missile, which is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads, successfully hit its targets on the Kamchatka Peninsula. (Picture source: Russian MoD and Vitaly Kuzmin)

The Russian defense ministry stated that the missile test was conducted at the Plesetsk state test site in northern Russia and that the Yars missile, which is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and is normally equipped with a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV), successfully hit its targets on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The ministry highlighted the missile's range of over 10,000 kilometers and its status as a key component of Russia's nuclear force. This statement came after discussions in the West about the potential involvement of NATO troops in Ukraine, a topic that has been addressed by leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) interprets these developments as a strategy by Russia to use nuclear threats to influence Western perceptions and reduce support for Ukraine by suggesting that NATO actions could lead to a nuclear conflict. However, the US think tank also notes that the actual use of nuclear weapons by Russia in Ukraine or elsewhere is considered highly unlikely by military analysts.

The RS-24 Yars is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is part of the arsenal of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces. It stands out due to its significant operational range, capable of reaching targets up to 12,000 kilometers away. This feature positions the RS-24 Yars as one of the longest-range missiles globally, enabling Russia to project its strategic capabilities across vast distances.

This missile is equipped with a Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) system, allowing it to carry multiple nuclear warheads, each capable of striking different targets independently. The capacity of the RS-24 Yars to carry four to six nuclear warheads enhances its potential utility in strategic deterrence. The MIRV system, combined with the missile's extensive range and countermeasures against missile defense systems, contributes to the missile's strategic value.

Designed to succeed the older Topol and Topol-M missile systems, the RS-24 Yars exists in both mobile and silo-based forms to enhance the flexibility and reliability of Russia's nuclear forces.

In addition to the RS-24 Yars, Russia is also preparing for the deployment of the RS-28 Sarmat ICBMs, intended to replace the RS-20V Voevoda ICBMs, known in NATO as SS-18 Satan. The first regiment equipped with the RS-28 Sarmat is expected to be stationed in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, contributing to Russia's strategic deterrent capabilities.

The RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is capable of reaching targets up to 12,000 kilometers away, positioning it as one of the longest-range missiles globally. (Pïcture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)