Earlier today, local media reported that the Russian Armed Forces have mobilized their Yars ballistic missile launchers for new combat patrols, involving units from the Bologoye formation. According to official reports, the exercises aimed to train Strategic Missile Forces personnel in long-range deployments, as well as in camouflage and mobility procedures on the battlefield.
A statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense noted: “During the scheduled command and staff exercise of the Bologoye strategic missile formation, regiments equipped with Yars mobile ground launchers are operating on new combat patrol routes (…) Conducting intense nighttime maneuvers along these routes.”
Expanding on the known details of the exercise, the launchers reportedly covered more than 100 kilometers, establishing various concealed firing positions and security perimeters as they would in real combat scenarios. The operation involved approximately 3,000 Russian military personnel and more than 300 vehicles and launchers, which had to navigate complex geographic environments to demonstrate their capabilities. Additionally, the exercise served to enhance communication between the launch site and different levels of the command chain, even in scenarios with potential enemy interference.
It is worth noting that Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces conducted a similar exercise in February, with nearly identical objectives and features. However, that deployment was carried out by the Yoshkar-Ola formation rather than the Bologoye unit. The consecutive February and March exercises highlight the sustained operational activity of this branch of the Russian Armed Forces, reinforcing the country’s deterrence posture.
Finally, reviewing some of the key features of the most notable element involved in these activities, it is useful to start by mentioning the primary weapon system carried by these launchers. Specifically, they are equipped with RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with multiple warheads, designed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology. The RS-24 missile was first launched in 2007, while the Yars launchers (also known by their NATO designation SS-27 Mod 2 Sickle-B) entered service with the Russian Armed Forces in 2009. It is important to highlight that these missiles were developed from the Topol-M RS-12M2 design, incorporating several upgrades to enhance their ability to penetrate enemy air defense networks.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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