Russia Tests Nuclear-capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile ‘RS-24 Yars’

Russia successfully tested a Yars silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Tuesday at Plesetsk space center.

"The test launch of a RS-24 Yars silo-based solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, equipped with a multiple independently targeted reentry vehicle [MIRV] was carried out by a unit of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces," Russian ministry said in a statement.

The missile has a range of up to 6,800 miles and is one of the most advanced in Russia’s colossal nuclear arsenal. The ministry launched the weapon in a test to confirm its “reliability” amid tensions worldwide.

"The experimental warheads arrived at the designated area at the Kura training ground on the Kamchatka peninsula. The goals have been achieved, all tasks have been fulfilled," the statement said.

The RS-24 Yars, which is equipped with three to six warheads, is capable of hitting different targets up to 12,000km away. The solid-fuel rocket is an upgraded version of the Topol-M missile, and can be launched both from the ground and from a vehicle.

It was first tested a decade ago, and has been in use by Russia’s strategic forces for the past seven years. According to Sputnik, Russia is switching to Yars ICBMs with its share set to stand at 72 percent by the end of 2017.