Russia is testing the combat readiness of a unit equipped with Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in the northwest of Moscow. The test is aimed at checking the missile system's mobility and protection against enemy air attacks and sabotage groups, news agencies reported on October 18.
The Yars missile, which can be deployed in underground silos or on mobile launchers, has a range of up to 11,000 km and is capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads. It is one of Russia's key strategic weapons systems.
Russia has staged a series of nuclear exercises this year, seen by security analysts as a signal to deter the West from further involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. The latest test coincided with NATO’s annual nuclear drills, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his “victory plan.”
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow had expanded the list of scenarios that could lead to the use of nuclear weapons, lowering the threshold for such weapons. Ukraine accused Russia of using "nuclear blackmail" amid escalating tensions.
During the test, a missile unit in the Tver region will carry out exercises moving Yars missiles in the field over distances of up to 100 km, while having to camouflage and protect the missiles from air attacks and enemy sabotage groups.
The Russian Ministry of National Defence said the exercises were aimed at ensuring the missile system's flexibility and safety in difficult combat conditions.
Russia previously held two drills with Yars missile units in July. It has also conducted three other series of drills this year to test its readiness to launch tactical nuclear missiles, which have a shorter range and lower destructive power than intercontinental strategic missiles like Yars.
This test is part of a series of activities to ensure that Russia's missile forces are always in a state of maximum readiness, while affirming the importance of nuclear weapons systems to Russia's defense strategy.
