Russian rocket forces loaded a new Yars intercontinental ballistic missile into a silo at the Kozelsk base in the Kaluga region near Moscow, the defense ministry said.
The 23m-long RS-24 (Yars) missile is equipped to deliver multiple nuclear warheads to different targets, enhancing its strategic capabilities.
A video released by the defense ministry showcased the massive missile being transported and loaded into the silo, accompanied by energetic rock music.
“In the Kozelsky compound, Strategic Missile Forces loaded a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile into a silo launcher,” the defense ministry said.
The Kaluga region is located just 500 miles from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and even closer to the border of the conflicted nations.
“Strategic Missile Forces [loaded] autonomous launchers of the Yars [intercontinental ballistic missile] … on combat patrol routes,” the Russian defense ministry said on its Telegram channel.
Russia, possessing the world’s largest nuclear weapons arsenal, closely rivals the United States. Together, they control over 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons.
According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia currently has 5,889 nuclear warheads, with the United States following closely with 5,244. Out of these, both countries have approximately 1,670 strategic nuclear warheads deployed each.
Russia to test launch seven intercontinental ballistic missiles in 2024
Russia intends to conduct test launches of seven intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in 2024, announced Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces commander, Sergei Karakayev on December 15.
In an interview with Red Star, Karakayev mentioned that in the past five years, over 20 ICBM launches were conducted for flight tests and military training.
He said that the hypersonic warhead-equipped “Avangard” complex, already on combat duty, underwent testing from the Yesny formation in the Orenburg region.
“Seven launches are planned for 2024,” he added.
Russia and the United States maintain information exchange on planned ICBM and submarine-launched ballistic missile launches.
“The Russian Federation informs the American side of any planned launch of an ICBM and SLBM no less than a day in advance. The United States also provides similar information,” he said.
Both countries adhere to a 24-hour advance notification system, following the 1988 agreement and the Treaty on the Reduction of Strategic Offensive Arms, according to Karakayev.
Russia’s notification includes the launch date, location, and warhead impact area. This reciprocal notification process, Karakayev emphasized, upholds transparency in the context of possessing the world’s largest nuclear arsenals.