The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced that the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) “Yars” has been loaded into a shaft launch installation in the Kozelsk unit of the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN). This development marks the first time that the Kozelsk unit has been equipped with the stationary-based “Yars” missile complex.
According to the Ministry of Defense, General Colonel Sergey Karakayev, the Commander of the RVSN, has previously mentioned the development of new missiles to replace the “Yars”.
In late October, the Russian Armed Forces conducted a strategic command staff exercise involving the operational use of strategic nuclear forces. Military observer Mikhail Khodarenok analyzed the purpose and significance of these exercises.
Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov assessed the exercises as part of nuclear deterrence forces.
