RS-24 Yars: Russia’s Most Powerful Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
The RS-24 Yars is one of the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in Russia’s arsenal and a central pillar of its nuclear deterrence strategy. Developed to replace and surpass the Topol-M in both capability and survivability, the Yars combines long-range precision, Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, and deployment flexibility from both silo-based and road-mobile launch platforms.
First tested in 2007 and entering service in 2010, the RS-24 Yars—known in NATO as the SS-29—is designed to maintain strategic parity with NATO forces while overcoming modern missile defense systems. As of 2024, over 150 Yars missiles are in active service with the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, forming one of the largest operational MIRV-equipped ICBM fleets in the world.
Development and Strategic Role
The RS-24 Yars was developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology as an evolution of the Topol-M platform. While the Topol-M carried a single large warhead, the Yars can deliver multiple smaller warheads to separate targets—greatly increasing its lethality and making interception far more difficult.
- Penetrate missile defenses using warhead maneuverability, decoys, and countermeasures.
- Serve as a credible second-strike weapon, ensuring retaliation even after a surprise nuclear attack.
- Operate in both silo and road-mobile configurations to maximize survivability.
RS-24 Yars Specifications
| Country of Origin | Russia |
|---|---|
| Entered Service | 2010 |
| Basing | Road mobile and silo based |
| Crew | 3 men |
| Missile | |
| Missile Length | 20.9 m |
| Missile Diameter | 2 m |
| Missile Weight | 49 t |
| Warhead Weight | ~ 1.2 t |
| Number of RVs | 6-10 with 100 - 300 kT blast yield each |
| Range of Fire | 12,000 km |
| CEP | 150-200 m |
| Mobility | |
| Engine | YaMZ-847 diesel |
| Engine Power | 800 hp |
| Maximum Road Speed | 45 km/h |
| Range | 500 km |
The missile’s combination of speed, precision, and payload versatility ensures a high probability of penetrating even the most advanced missile defense networks.
Warhead and Payload
- 3–4 standard MIRVs (150–200 kT each) for precision strategic strikes.
- Up to 6–10 lower-yield MIRVs for broader target coverage.
- Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles on certain units, capable of extreme maneuverability at hypersonic speeds, further complicating interception.
Payload configurations can be adapted depending on strategic requirements, from fewer, high-yield warheads to multiple, lower-yield ones.
Launch Platforms
1. Silo-Based Launchers
- Housed in hardened underground facilities.
- Compatible with older ICBM silos, requiring minimal infrastructure changes.
- Rapid readiness and enhanced protection.
2. Road-Mobile TELs
- MZKT-79221 16×16 heavy chassis with steerable first three and last three axles for maneuverability.
- Operated by a crew of three with a road autonomy of 500 km.
- Can disperse across remote terrain, operating undetected over areas the size of small European countries.
- Capable of launching from prepared positions, garages with sliding roofs, or unprepared field sites.
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Operational History
- 2010: Officially adopted by the Russian Strategic Missile Forces.
- 2016: 63 mobile and 10 silo-based missiles deployed alongside Topol-M units.
- 2019: Integration of Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles begins; first Yars-S variant enters service.
- 2024: Over 150 missiles in active service.
- May 2025: Planned test launch from Sverdlovsk region reportedly aborted or failed.
Variants
- RS-26 Rubezh (Yars-M): Smaller, lighter version on MZKT-79291 12×12 chassis with ~5,800 km range, potentially falling into the IRBM class but officially classified as an ICBM.
- Yars-S: Slightly smaller (17.8 m, 46 t) with a 1.25 t payload and 10,000 km range; first deployed in 2019.
RS-24 Yars vs. Other ICBMs
- U.S. Minuteman III: Similar range but carries only a single warhead.
- China’s DF-41: Slightly longer range (~15,000 km) and comparable MIRV capacity.
- Cost Efficiency: Estimated at $50–$70 million per missile, more affordable than many Western systems due to domestic production.
Future Upgrades
- Improved guidance for higher accuracy.
- More advanced countermeasures to defeat next-generation missile defenses.
- Wider deployment of hypersonic glide vehicles for unpredictable attack profiles.
Conclusion
The RS-24 Yars ICBM is the backbone of Russia’s ground-based nuclear deterrent. Its MIRV capability, mobility, and precision make it one of the most formidable nuclear weapons in the 21st century. Designed to survive a first strike and ensure a devastating retaliatory capability, the Yars is a key factor in maintaining the delicate balance of global nuclear power.
As missile defense systems evolve, the RS-24 Yars will continue to receive upgrades—ensuring it remains not only a symbol of Russian strategic resolve but also one of the most survivable and lethal nuclear weapons ever built.
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