Is the RS-24 Yars a new weapon or just an upgraded Topol-M?

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Developed through a secret R&D project, Russia's RS-24 Yars is a heavy intercontinental ballistic missile designed to bypass missile shields. While some intelligence agencies believe it is merely a modified Topol-M, its ability to carry multiple independent warheads makes it a formidable pillar of nuclear deterrence.

The RS-2/4 Yars, known to NATO as the SS-29 or SS-27 Mod 2, is a thermonuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that first underwent testing on May 29, 2007. Launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, the initial test warheads traveled approximately 5,750 km to the Kura Test Range. The missile's development was publicly framed as a strategic response to United States plans for a missile shield in Europe. The missile's name is an acronym for 'Nuclear Deterrence Rocket,' though the word itself may derive from a Slavic root meaning a steep ravine. Subsequent successful tests followed in late 2007 and 2008, with various combat training launches continuing through 2026.

Technically, the Yars is an evolution of the RT-2PM2 Topol-M. The primary distinction lies in its payload 'bus,' which has been modified to utilize Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV). While there is uncertainty regarding its maximum capacity, the missile is thought to carry up to 4 warheads, though some reports suggest it could potentially carry as many as 10. This capability allows a single missile to strike multiple, geographically dispersed targets. The RS-24 is notably heavier than the Topol-M it succeeds. This increased mass supports its specialized payload configuration.

The deployment of the Yars has been a massive undertaking for the Russian Strategic Missile Forces. Since its operational deployment began in 2010, the system has expanded significantly. By June 2017, more than 50 launchers were operational, and by late 2025, the inventory was estimated to include 180 road-mobile and over 30 silo-based missiles. The system exists in various forms, including the scaled-down 'Yars-S' and the developing railcar-launched 'Barguzin' variant.

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