Missile RS-24 Yars (SS-29)

The RS-24 Yars, designated by NATO as SS-29 or SS-27 Mod 2 and also known as Topol-MR, emerged from a confidential Russian military research and development initiative, with its inaugural test launch conducted on May 29, 2007. Developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology and manufactured by the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant, the Yars is an evolution of the Topol-M system, specifically modified to accommodate a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle payload. Its development and subsequent testing were, in part, publicized as a strategic response to planned missile defense deployments in Europe. The name "Yars" is an acronym for "Yadernaya Raketa Sderzhivaniya," translating to "Nuclear Deterrence Rocket." A series of successful test launches from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, often targeting the Kura Test Range, continued from 2007 through to 2024, underscoring the system's ongoing refinement. Some international observers initially contended that the Yars was essentially a rebranded Topol-M, potentially to navigate arms control treaty stipulations.

The RS-24 Yars is a solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile, though its upper stage may incorporate liquid propulsion. It is designed to carry a thermonuclear payload comprised of multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, with various sources suggesting different capacities. The missile possesses a significant operational range and achieves exceptionally high velocities during its terminal phase. Guidance is provided by an inertial system augmented with Glonass satellite navigation, contributing to its notable accuracy. The Yars can be launched from both hardened missile silos and road-mobile transporter erector launchers, providing operational flexibility. A key design objective for the Yars was its ability to overcome existing and anticipated anti-ballistic missile defenses. In addition to the standard configuration, a modernized and reportedly scaled-down road-mobile variant, designated Yars-S, has been introduced, and development of a rail-mobile version, known as Barguzin, is also understood to be underway.

The RS-24 Yars officially entered service with the Russian Strategic Missile Troops in 2010, following the completion of its testing phase earlier that year. Initial deployments focused on mobile launcher units, with the 54th Guards Rocket Division in Teykovo being among the first formations to receive the system. The fielding process saw a progressive increase in operational regiments, with units in locations such as Novosibirsk, Kozelsk, Yoshkar-Ola, Nizhny Tagil, and Irkutsk subsequently being rearmed with both mobile and silo-based versions of the Yars. The modernized Yars-S variant has also been integrated into combat duty, notably in Barnaul and Yoshkar-Ola. By late 2019, it was reported that a substantial number of Yars launchers were operational, with a steady rate of new complex deliveries to the Strategic Missile Forces. The system continues to be a central component of Russia's strategic deterrent, as evidenced by regular combat training launches and exercises involving Yars units across multiple regions.