Russia Loads Another Nuclear-Capable RS-24 Yars Intercontinental Missile Into Underground Silo as Strategic Forces Expand Readiness
Russia has loaded another RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into an underground silo launcher, as Moscow continues modernizing its strategic nuclear forces.
The Russian Defense Ministry announced the operation on November 12, confirming that the missile was installed at a fixed-based missile formation using a specialized transport and loading vehicle. The technical procedure reportedly took several hours.
A commander of the missile regiment said personnel had successfully completed certification procedures required to operate the new missile system and assume combat duty.
The RS-24 Yars is one of Russia’s most important land-based strategic nuclear weapons. It has an officially stated range of up to 11,000 kilometers and is designed to carry multiple independently targetable warheads, allowing a single missile to strike different targets.
The system operates in both underground silo-based and road-mobile configurations, forming a central part of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces.
Moscow says its 2026 rearmament program is intended to increase the proportion of modern missile systems and strengthen the combat capabilities of its ground-based strategic nuclear forces.
The announcement does not indicate that Russia has launched a missile test or ordered an attack. It represents another step in the modernization of the country’s nuclear deterrent.