Russia is testing the combat readiness of a unit equipped with Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in a region northwest of Moscow.
The Yars Can Be Deployed In Silos
According to news agencies that quoted the defence ministry on this development, the Yars can be deployed in silos or mounted on mobile launchers.
It has a range of up to 11,000 km (6,835 miles) and is capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads.
Series Of Nuclear Drills By Russia
Russia has carried out a series of nuclear drills this year.
Security analysts say that these are signals intended to deter the West from intervening more deeply in the war in Ukraine.
The latest one is taking place in the same week that NATO conducted its annual nuclear exercise and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy unveiled his ‘victory plan.’
Moscow Extended List Of Scenarios
Russian President Vladimir Putin said last month that Moscow had extended the list of scenarios that could prompt it to use nuclear weapons.
This results in effectively lowering the threshold for their use.
Ukraine accused Moscow of nuclear blackmail.
In the latest test, a unit in the Tver region will practise moving Yars missiles in the field over distances of up to 100 km (62 miles).
According to Interfax, the defence ministry has said that this will be done under camouflage and by protecting them against air attack and enemy sabotage groups.
Russia previously conducted two rounds of exercises involving Yars missile units in July.
Three Sets Of Drills
It has also held three sets of drills this year to test preparations for the launch of tactical nuclear missiles.
These missiles have a shorter range and lower yield than intercontinental strategic rockets.
Russia Has The World’s Biggest Nuclear Arsenal
In the course of the war, Putin has issued frequent reminders that Russia has the world’s biggest nuclear arsenal.
The Russian President has insisted that it does not need to resort to nuclear weapons in order to achieve victory in Ukraine.
