Ballistic Missile
RS-24 Yars
RS-24 Yars is a Russian three-stage solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile with MIRV warheads, designed by MITT and in service since 2010. NATO calls it the SS-27 Mod 2, and it is the backbone of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces.
Russia|MITT (Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology)What Is the RS-24 Yars? Overview, History and Development
The Yars was developed from the Topol-M, first tested on 29 May 2007 and entered service in 2010. It was designed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology and is built by the Votkinsk plant. It carries up to four MIRV warheads of 150–300 kt (some sources say up to six), plus manoeuvring reentry vehicles and decoys. Commonly cited range is 10,500–12,000 km, with a launch mass of about 49 tonnes and length of 22.7 m (unofficial).
The missile is deployed on MZKT-79221 eight-axle road-mobile launchers and in modified silos, with roughly 150–170 launchers by Western estimates. Production continues at Votkinsk. Russia says the Yars will form the backbone of the RVSN, with Sarmat replacing older Soviet missiles. Russia deployed Yars launchers in Belarus in 2024, according to official statements. Unit cost is estimated at about US$35–50 million. Rivals are Minuteman III, DF-41, Trident II and Sarmat.
RS-24 Yars Specifications: Range, Speed, Warhead and Guidance
RS-24 Yars Variants and Versions Compared
RS-24 Yars is the standard MIRV missile deployed on road-mobile launchers and in silos.
RS-24 Yars-S is the upgraded version of the Yars with improved penetration aids.
RS-26 Rubezh is a related shorter-range variant, reportedly derived from the Yars.
Which Countries Use the RS-24 Yars? Operators and Users
RussiaRS-24 Yars FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
What is the range of the RS-24 Yars?
The RS-24 Yars has a range of 10,500–12,000 km according to commonly cited, unofficial figures. That is enough to reach the continental United States from launch sites in Russia.
How many warheads does the RS-24 Yars carry?
The RS-24 Yars carries up to four MIRV warheads of 150–300 kt, though some sources say up to six. Tests have shown three to four warheads, along with manoeuvring reentry vehicles and decoys.
Is the RS-24 Yars hypersonic?
The RS-24 Yars reaches hypersonic reentry speeds, as all ICBMs do, but it is not a boost-glide system. It differs from the Avangard, which is a true hypersonic glide vehicle.
How many RS-24 Yars does Russia have?
Russia has roughly 150–170 RS-24 Yars launchers or missiles according to Western estimates. Production continues at the Votkinsk plant, and the missiles are covered by New START limits, whose status is disputed.
RS-24 Yars vs Minuteman III: which is better?
The RS-24 Yars is newer, road-mobile and carries up to four warheads, while the Minuteman III is silo-based and carries one under New START. The Minuteman III has a longer range of more than 13,000 km.
How much does an RS-24 Yars cost?
An RS-24 Yars costs an estimated US$35–50 million per missile according to press estimates. Russia does not publish an official price, so the figure is hedged.
