Intimidating Ukraine? Russia may test Yars intercontinental missile in show of force
Illustrative photo: Russia to conduct nuclear weapons test on May 19 (Getty Images)
Russia continues to use intimidation tactics. On the night of May 19, Russian forces plan to carry out a "training and combat" launch of an RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile from the Yars complex, informs the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian intelligence, Russia intends to launch the RS-24 Yars missile as a show of pressure and intimidation. The target audience includes Ukraine, as well as EU and NATO member states. The launch is scheduled for the night of May 19, 2025.
Ukraine's Defense Intelligence reports that the missile will be equipped with a training warhead. The launch will be conducted from a mobile ground-based system by personnel from the 433rd Guards Missile Regiment of the 42nd Missile Division, which is part of the 31st Army of Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces.
The launch site is located near the town of Svobodny in Russia's Sverdlovsk region.
Ukrainian intelligence noted that the range of this three-stage solid-fuel missile exceeds 10,000 kilometers.
Details about the Yars system
The Russian Yars missile system (or RS-24 Yars) is a strategic intercontinental ballistic missile. It has been in service with the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces since 2009.
The system was developed as a modernized version of the earlier Topol-M systems. It features improved capabilities to penetrate missile defense systems.
The Yars can carry multiple independently targetable nuclear warheads. This makes interception by modern air defense systems more difficult. The missile can be launched from both silo-based systems and mobile ground-based launchers. This mobility enhances survivability and reduces vulnerability to a preemptive strike.
Russia actively showcases this weapon as a symbol of its nuclear capability. The Kremlin regularly conducts exercises and announces the deployment of new launch systems.
At the end of March, Russia reportedly launched military drills involving missiles with nuclear warheads. These exercises include launches of the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile.
Earlier, in February, Russia conducted training exercises involving concealed launches of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in the Volga region.
