The large-scale Strategic Missile Forces exercises that began in the Urals differ from previous maneuvers in that all attention is focused on YARS ballistic missiles. Earlier, different types of missiles were used during the maneuvers. Thanks to mobile launchers, "yArsa" is more difficult to detect, track and aim missiles at them, writes The National Interest.
- During the exercises, intensive movements of mobile missile systems, their camouflage and counteraction to modern and promising means of aerial reconnaissance are planned. In cooperation with the formations and units of the Central Military District, these tasks will be performed at a qualitatively new level," the Defense Ministry noted. The Commission of the RVSN command will assess the level of combat readiness of the Tagil connection, taking into account its rearmament.
The RS-24 yArs intercontinental class missile replaced the Topol-M ICBM. It is noticeably heavier than its predecessor, but still rides on a 16-wheel chassis MZKT-79221. The missile can carry up to six thermonuclear individual guidance warheads with a capacity of 150-500 kilotons. yArs is equipped with a digital combined guidance system: inertial plus GLONASS.
According to Western estimates, the Strategic Missile Forces now have up to 50 heavy RS-36M Voevoda ICBMs, 32 TOPOL-M missiles (16 each in mines and on mobile launchers), more than 135 YARS in the mobile version and about 12 in the mine. Despite its youth, the new Russian ballistic missile will soon be replaced by an even newer "cEdar". The active phase of its development will begin in 2023-2024.
Anton Valagin
