Yars missile launchers capable of carrying nuclear warheads have been deployed to combat patrol routes in Russia.
TASS news agency
on October 7 posted a video with the content of what is believed to be the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launcher system deployed in Novosibirsk, Siberia. The video shows the weapon being taken out of a warehouse, serving the task of checking the level of combat readiness.
According to the military and defense news agency Army Recognition, the Yars RS-24 (NATO designation SS-29) is a strategic nuclear missile with a range of more than 12,000km. This missile can be mounted on a mobile system or deployed in silos.
The first Yars RS-24 regiment, consisting of three battalions, was deployed in 2011. Two battalions of the second regiment were also put on combat duty by Russia in December last year.
TASS said the personnel were carrying out tasks, including testing maneuverability on patrol routes as part of combat missions and organizing camouflage and combat protection.
“In addition, the military will deal with issues related to countering sabotage and reconnaissance operations,” the news agency added.
Since the start of a special military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned of the use of nuclear weapons. However, experts are skeptical about those warnings.
Recently, President Putin announced proposed changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, referring to situations in which Russia could use nuclear weapons.
“However, that does not mean a significant change in Russia’s doctrinal position, nor does it indicate an increased willingness to use nuclear weapons,” said Peter Rutland, professor of Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at Wesleyan University.
