On September 17, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Russian army units have commenced operational maneuvers with the RS-24 Yars strategic missile systems. These exercises are being conducted by the Teikovsky Division of the Russian Missile Forces in the Ivanovo Region, approximately 155 miles (249 km) from Moscow.
The announcement detailed that RS-24 Yars mobile land-based missile crews are executing a range of tasks including 100-kilometer marches, unit dispersal with positional adjustments, engineering setup, camouflage organization, and combat guard. Additionally, these exercises involve countering potential sabotage and intelligence threats, with an emphasis on rigorous combat patrol routes.
The RS-24 Yars strategic missile system is critical for the Russian Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN), serving to ensure constant high readiness. The system, equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and featuring multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), is central to Russia’s nuclear deterrence strategy. Frequent relocations of these mobile launchers enhance their stealth, complicating adversary targeting and securing reliable retaliatory strike capability.
The primary goals of these patrols are to enhance survivability, maintain strategic flexibility, and bolster the credibility of Russia’s nuclear deterrent. Regular patrolling mitigates the risk of preemptive strikes by introducing unpredictability in launcher locations. These activities also serve as operational readiness drills, assessing personnel and system performance in realistic scenarios, thereby reinforcing Russia’s nuclear triad and ensuring effective second-strike capability.
U.S. military analysts express concerns regarding the RS-24 Yars system, particularly its mobility and effectiveness. Defense expert Kris Osborn highlights the challenge posed by the Yars’ mobility, which complicates detection and threatens U.S. missile defense strategies. The system’s MIRVs, which enable a single missile to engage multiple targets, exacerbate these concerns. The Yars system’s durability and potential for upgrades are also noted as significant factors in future ICBM strategic planning, as discussed in 2021 by The National Interest.
General Gregory Guillot, commander of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), recently addressed Russia’s ongoing strategic nuclear modernization, emphasizing the Yars ICBM’s role. He noted that the Yars, along with other advanced Russian weapons, is specifically designed to challenge U.S. missile defenses and ensure Russia’s capacity for retaliation. These systems enhance Russia’s operational flexibility, presenting a significant challenge to U.S. deterrence strategies.
The RS-24 Yars is a state-of-the-art ICBM, developed to strengthen Russia’s strategic nuclear capabilities. The missile, measuring approximately 22.5 meters in length with a diameter of 2 meters and a launch weight of 49 tons, has an operational range of 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers. It is designed to carry up to four MIRVs, allowing for multiple target engagements.
The Yars system’s adaptability is enhanced by its deployment on both stationary silos and mobile platforms, with the latter offering enhanced survivability through continuous relocation and concealment within Russia’s extensive territory. This mobility, combined with its in-flight maneuverability and advanced guidance systems, makes it a formidable component of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, capable of overcoming missile defense systems and adapting to future upgrades.
