- Category
- Latest news
Russia Drills Yars Nuclear Missiles in Siberia, Simulating Attacks on Its Strategic Arsenal
- Authors
![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia has conducted large-scale exercises of its Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) in Siberia involving mobile Yars missile systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, as reported by Russian outlet Interfax.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
The drills focused on deploying mobile ground-based missile systems to new patrol areas under simulated combat conditions, including scenarios involving “conditional radioactive contamination” and attempts by sabotage groups to seize or disrupt strategic assets.
#NEWS | 🇷🇺 — Russian strategic missile forces conducted drills in Siberia on Thursday involving the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) systems, which are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. pic.twitter.com/PIhHrehHKw
— The Global Eye (@TGEThGlobalEye) April 2, 2026
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that units practiced securing and defending Yars missile convoys both on the move and at field positions.
“For aerial reconnaissance of movement routes, as well as the search and detection of simulated saboteurs, army aviation and UAVs of various types were used,” the ministry said.
Additional elements of the exercise reportedly included camouflage operations, rapid redeployment of missile units, and measures to protect launchers from simulated air attacks. Troops also trained to deploy aerosol smoke screens and conduct decontamination procedures after operating in areas described as contaminated.
The drills also allegedly involved dispersal maneuvers, with missile divisions relocating between field positions while maintaining operational readiness. “During the exercise, crews of the Yars mobile missile system organized combat duty in field conditions,” the ministry noted.
The Yars system is a key component of Russia’s nuclear forces, with an intercontinental range of up to 11,000 kilometers and the ability to carry multiple independently targetable warheads. Such capabilities allow the system to strike targets far beyond Russia’s borders, including in the United States.
Earlier, Russia claimed it had successfully tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, known as SSC-X-9 Skyfall, during a strategic forces exercise. According to Russian officials, the missile reportedly flew up to 14,000 kilometers and remained airborne for around 15 hours, though independent confirmation of the test has not been provided.
-9a7b3a98ed5c506e0b77a6663f5727c5.png)
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
