What is Yars Missile?

About Yars Missile

• The Yars (also known as RS-24 or SS-29) is a Russian-made intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with multiple independently targetable warheads, each capable of targeting different objectives.
• Features:
  • It is a three-stage, solid propellant, MIRV-capable (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) ICBM.
  • The Yars is a modified version of the Topol-M missile system.
  • The missile is 23 meters long and can be launched from a silo or mobile launcher. 
  • It has a range of 10,500 km.
  • Launch Weight: 49600 kg
  • 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.

What is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)?

• An ICBM is a guided missile that is designed to deliver nuclear warheads, although it could also deliver other payloads.
• According to the Federation of American Scientists, ICBMs have a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles), with maximum ranges varying from 7,000 to 16,000 kilometres.
• ICBMs are much faster and have a greater range than other types of ballistic missiles.
• Agni-V is an Indian ICBM with a range of over 5,000 km.

Q1) What are Ballistic Missiles?

Ballistic missiles 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. Ballistic missiles can carry either nuclear or conventional warheads.

Source: Day after Putin's nuke war warning, Russia tests nuclear ballistic Yars missile