Russia Begins Yars Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Drills Amid Ukraine War

Russia has started exercises with the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system in another attempt to show off its nuclear strength.

Russia’s defence ministry said on Wednesday; “In total, more than 3,000 military personnel and about 300 pieces of equipment are involved in the exercises."

During the exercises, the Yars mobile systems will conduct manoeuvres in three Russian regions, the ministry said, without identifying the regions.

The ministry added; “Strategic missile men will carry out a set of measures to camouflage and counter modern aerial reconnaissance means in cooperation with formations and units of the Central Military District and the Aerospace Forces."

There are few confirmed tactical and technical characteristics of the Yars mobile ICBM, which reportedly have an operational range of 12,000 km (7,500 miles) and can carry multiple nuclear warheads.

The systems can carry multiple independently targetable nuclear warheads and can be mounted on truck carriers or deployed in silos.

The drills come amid the war with Ukraine, which has lasted over a year.