Russia has begun exercises with its Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system involving over 3,000 troops and 300 pieces of equipment, according to the country’s defense ministry. The drills, which are taking place in three regions, involve missile men carrying out maneuvers to counter modern aerial reconnaissance means.
The Yars missile system, which replaced the Topol system, reportedly has an operational range of 12,000km and can carry multiple nuclear warheads. President Vladimir Putin has aimed to make the Yars system part of Russia’s “invincible weapons” and the mainstay of the ground-based component of its nuclear arsenal.
Russia’s military exercises have increased since it launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has conducted drills with China and South Africa and has stepped up military training with Belarus, which borders both Russia and Ukraine. Although few confirmed tactical and technical characteristics of the Yars mobile ICBM system are available, military bloggers suggest that it can be mounted on truck carriers or deployed in silos.
The missile system has been designed to demonstrate Russia’s nuclear strength and its ability to resist any possible aggression from its adversaries.
Russia’s military activities have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, with Western nations questioning Moscow’s intentions. The drills involving the Yars missile system and thousands of troops will do little to alleviate these concerns.
