Russia deploys Yars nuclear launchers for strategic patrols
The Russian Ministry of Defence has reported that RS-24 Yars autonomous rocket launchers have been dispatched from Novosibirsk for maneuvers. According to Defence Romania, which cites Russian sources, these weapons are intended to conduct patrols and preparatory missions in the event of conflict.
The deployment of Russian nuclear Yars launchers is part of Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy, we read. However, sending these complexes on patrol routes does not equate to the RS-24 being introduced into active combat service.
Russian nuclear launchers on patrol
Patrolling, the task currently assigned to the Russian launchers, is typically a stage that can precede combat use. However, as Defence Romania reports, according to Ukrainian experts, the probability of the Yars complex being used by the Russians is zero. Military expert Oleg Zhdanov, in an interview with Focus.ua, explained that the Russian Federation is most likely conducting routine training or assessing combat capabilities and potentially altering combat roles.
It is important to note that the RS-24 Yars is a strategic Russian ballistic missile that plays a key role in the Russian Federation's nuclear arsenal. It replaced outdated missiles and introduced new capabilities for intercontinental military operations.
Russian nuclear triad. RS-24 Yars is part of it
The Yars is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that uses solid fuel for propulsion. It can carry up to six nuclear MIRV warheads, each with a yield of up to 300 kilotons. The range of the RS-24 Yars is 6,835 miles, enabling it to reach virtually any location worldwide. The missile is transported by MZKT-79221 vehicles, which can reach speeds of up to 28 mph and travel up to 311 miles on a single journey.
The RS-24 complex is a crucial component of the Russian armed forces, as it forms part of their nuclear triad, which includes the capability to launch missiles from land, sea, and air. Only a few countries in the world, including the USA, China, and India, possess a complete nuclear triad. Such a strategy allows Russia to maintain nuclear deterrent capability and adaptability in response to potential threats.
