What is Yars Missile?

About Yars Missile:

• The Yars RS-24 (NATO designation SS-29) is a Russian-made mobile nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can be mounted on truck carriers or deployed in silos. 
• The first production of Yars began in 2004. It is believed to have entered into service in February 2010.
• Features:
  • The missile is estimated to be 22.5 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter.
  • It is a three-stage, solid propellant, MIRV-capable (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) ICBM.
  • The total launch weight of the RS-24 is assessed to be 49,000 kg.
  • It is expected to have a minimum range of 2,000 km and a maximum range of 10,500 km.
  • The missile uses a guidance upgraded system of the inertial and Glonass systems.
  • The missile can be armed with up to 10 MIRVs, each containing a thermonuclear warhead weighing 300 kilotons.
  • It has the capability to manoeuvre during flight and deploy both active and passive decoys, which gives Yars an advantage against modern missile defence systems.

Q1: What are ballistic missiles?

A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled, self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target. They are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target. They can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.

News: Russia tests readiness of Yars nuclear missile unit