Description

Source: INDIA.com

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Context :

Recently , Russia has deployed autonomous launchers of the RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
It is equipped with nuclear weapons on combat patrol routes.

Do you know ?

An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a long range missile capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads to 5500 km.
It makes a high arc trajectory in space before reentering the atmosphere to attack distant targets.
India's ICBM programme includes the Agni-V.
It is a missile with a range of over 5,000 kilometres. It is capable of striking targets across continents.
India has successfully tested its nuclear capable K 4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with range of 3500 km from the newly commissioned INS Arighaat.

What is RS-24 Yars

NATO calls it SS-29. And it was entered service in Feb 2010.
It is Similar to Russia’s SS-27 (Topol M) ICBM and the Bulava (SS-NX-32) Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).

RS-24 Yars Features

Type: 3 stage, solid fueled ICBM.
Launch Platforms: it can be launched from a mobile launcher.
Dimensions:
- - Length: 22.5 m.
  - Diameter: 2 m.
Weight: Total launch weight is 49000 kg.
Range:
- - Minimum: 2000 km
  - Maximum: 10500 km
Guidance System: it is equipped with an upgraded inertial guidance system & the GLONASS Russian GPS system.
Payload:
- - It can carry up to 10 MIRVs (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles).
  - Each MIRV can be armed with thermonuclear warhead weighing 300 kilotons.
Flight Maneuverability: it is capable of maneuvering during flight to evade interception.
Countermeasures:it can deploy both active & passive decoys to avoid modern missile defense systems.

Source: INDIA.com

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PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Analyze the role of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) like the RS-24 Yars in the global strategic balance. How do such weapons influence arms control and non-proliferation efforts? 150 Words