[The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense said that Russian military was preparing to launch 'Yars' missile.]
On May 18, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense released urgent information, stating that Russian side was preparing to conduct a test or practical training launch of RS-24 "Yars" intercontinental ballistic missile from a mobile land-based launch platform. The launch might take place on the night of May 19.
The message mentioned that the task would be carried out by the 42nd Division's 433rd Brigade of the 31st Army of Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces, with the location in Sverdlovsk Oblast. Ukraine guessed that this move might be a "display of force" or an inspection of the combat readiness of strategic nuclear forces to cope with the tense situation in the current special military operation area.
"Yars" is a three-stage solid-fuel missile with a range of over 10,000 kilometers, capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), and has the ability to penetrate anti-ballistic missile systems. It can be launched from fixed silos or mobile platforms.
In October 2024, Putin personally commanded a test launch of "Yars" at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, and also conducted launches of "Bulava" and "Sineva" missiles from nuclear submarines simultaneously.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832549248823296/
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