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Russia Tests Nuclear Forces With Yars Missile Patrols—A Warning to NATO?
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Russia deployed autonomous launchers from its RS-24 Yars mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system to combat patrol routes as part of a scheduled readiness exercise in the Yoshkar-Ola missile formation, located in the Mari El Republic, Russian media outlet Interfax reported on July 11.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the deployment is part of a broader training operation aimed at validating the Strategic Missile Forces' ability to operate under field and combat conditions.
“Autonomous launchers of the Yars mobile missile system were deployed to combat patrol routes in the Yoshkar-Ola missile formation (Mari El Republic) as part of a planned exercise,” the ministry said. “Strategic missile units are carrying out maneuver operations and fulfilling operational tasks along patrol routes,” the Ministry added.
Previously, speaking on the State TV channel Russia-1, pro-government host Vladimir Solovyov warned that Russia could destroy both US coasts using nuclear-powered Poseidon torpedoes—underwater weapons designed to trigger a “radioactive tsunami.”
During the broadcast, Solovyov directly addressed US President Donald Trump: “Will Trump understand that two Poseidons, launched from different sides, could wipe out the US and create a radioactive disaster? That would be the end—nothing will save them.”
During the drill, Yars’ mobile crews conducted 100-kilometer tactical marches, fortified field positions, implemented camouflage and security protocols, and practiced counter-sabotage operations. Support units also ran simulations to extract specialized equipment from zones contaminated by notional chemical threats.
The exercises are designed to test the long-term operational readiness of personnel, missile systems, and support equipment while reinforcing the survivability and mobility of Russia’s land-based nuclear deterrent.
The Yars system—an advanced evolution of the Soviet-era Topol-M—is capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) and is designed to withstand modern missile defense systems. The mobile launchers (SPU 15U175M) and mobile command posts are built for rapid redeployment and concealment, enhancing their survivability in case of conflict.
Originally developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Engineering, the Yars entered service in the late 2000s and has since become the backbone of Russia’s mobile ICBM fleet.
The Yoshkar-Ola unit is among several missile formations to be fully reequipped under serial production contracts that remain in effect through the late 2020s.
Army Recognition military analysis says the renewed deployment of Yars units demonstrates Moscow’s continued investment in road-mobile nuclear systems—assets designed to complicate enemy targeting and ensure a credible second-strike capability.
The drills also mirror the growing emphasis on mobile ICBMs among other nuclear powers, particularly China’s DF-41 program.
Earlier, Russian leader Vladimir Putin announced the start of serial production of the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).
According to Army Recognition, the Oreshnik is based on the RS-26 Rubezh—a solid-fueled, road-mobile missile capable of speeds over Mach 10 and ranges up to 5,000 kilometers.
