Russia tests readiness of Yars nuclear missile unit

Yars, which can be deployed in silos or mounted on a mobile launcher, has a range of up to 11,000 km (6,835 mi) and is capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads. file | Photo Credit: AP

“Russia is testing the combat readiness of a unit equipped with Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in an area northwest of Moscow,” news agencies quoted the Defense Ministry as saying on Friday (October 18, 2024).

Yars, which can be deployed in silos or mounted on a mobile launcher, has a range of up to 11,000 km (6,835 mi) and is capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads.

Security analysts say Russia has conducted several nuclear drills this year aimed at deterring the West from intervening more deeply in the war in Ukraine.

The latest is coming the same week that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) held its annual nuclear drills and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Unveiled his “Vijay Plan”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last month that Moscow had expanded the list of scenarios that could lead it to use nuclear weapons, effectively lowering the threshold for their use. Ukraine accused Moscow of nuclear blackmail.

“In the latest test, a unit from the Tver region will practice carrying Yars missiles under camouflage at ranges of up to 100 km (62 miles) and protecting them from air attacks and enemy sabotage groups,” Interfax quoted the Defense Ministry as saying. ” That being said.

Russia had earlier conducted two rounds of exercises involving Yars missile units in July. It has also conducted three sets of exercises this year to test preparations for the launch of tactical nuclear missiles, which have shorter range and lower yield than intercontinental strategic rockets.

During the war, Mr Putin has issued frequent reminders that Russia has the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, but he has insisted it does not need to resort to nuclear weapons to achieve victory in Ukraine.