Description

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Context

RS-24 Yars has recently drawn global attention due to its planned launch amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

What is RS-24 Yars?

The RS-24 Yars with NATO designation: SS-29 is a Russian MIRV-capable intercontinental ballistic missile that entered service in 2010.

Developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology it is intended to replace aging Soviet-era missiles like the SS-18 Satan and SS-19 Stiletto.

Features of RS-24 Yars

Feature	Details
Propulsion	Three-stage, solid-fuel propellant
Warhead Capability	Up to 10 MIRVs (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles)
Range	2000 km to 10500 km
Launch Platforms	Both silo-based and road-mobile launchers
Guidance System	Inertial + GLONASS satellite navigation
Length / Diameter	22.5 meters / 2 meters
Launch Weight	49000 kg
Warhead Yield	Each MIRV: ~300 kilotons (thermonuclear)
Defence Evasion	High maneuverability + active/passive decoys

About ICBM

ICBM is a long-range guided missile primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery. It can travel a minimum range of 5500 km and can be launched from land-based silos, mobile launchers, submarines or even aircraft.

Features of ICBMs

Feature	Details
Payload	Can carry nuclear or conventional warheads; includes Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles
Trajectory	Follows a ballistic arc, passing through exosphere (~1,200 km altitude)
Speed	Mach 20+ at re-entry
Launch Platforms	Land (silo/truck), Sea (submarines), Air
Guidance	Inertial navigation system (INS), satellite/GPS guidance, astro-inertial
Countermeasures	Decoys, maneuverable re-entry vehicles, stealth technology

Phases of Flight

Boost Phase: Rocket motors ignite and push the missile out of the atmosphere.

Midcourse Phase: Coasting in space; warheads separate and follow ballistic paths.

Reentry Phase: Warheads re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and descend to targets.

Global Context

Country	Notable ICBMs
USA	Minuteman III, LGM-35 Sentinel
Russia	RS-28 Sarmat, Topol-M
China	DF-41, DF-5B
India	Agni-V (range ~5,000–5,500 km) – technically not ICBM but close
North Korea	Hwasong-15, Hwasong-17
France, UK	Submarine-launched ICBM capability

Agni Series

Missile	Range	Status	ICBM Status
Agni-I	700–900 km	Operational	No
Agni-II	2,000–3,000 km	Operational	No
Agni-III	~3,500 km	Operational	No
Agni-IV	~4,000 km	Operational	No
Agni-V	~5,000–5,500 km	Operational (canisterized)	Near-ICBM
Agni-VI	Under development (range >8,000 km)	R&D stage	ICBM

Strategic Significance

For India

Strengthens deterrence posture especially against China.

Supports credible minimum deterrence under India’s No First Use nuclear doctrine.

Enhances second-strike capability with canister-based launchers and MIRV potential.

Global Implications

ICBMs are a central component of nuclear triads.

Fuel global arms race and strategic instability if not regulated.

Proliferation concerns with states like North Korea and Iran testing long-range delivery systems.

International Treaties & ICBMs

Treaty/Initiative	Relevance to ICBMs
Outer Space Treaty (1967)	Prohibits placing nuclear weapons in orbit
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)	Limits number of ICBMs and warheads (USA-Russia)
MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime)	India is a member; restricts export of long-range missile tech
Hague Code of Conduct	Promotes transparency in ballistic missile launches

Sources:

REUTERS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. The advancement of ICBM technology challenges the goal of global disarmament. In this context, analyze the effectiveness of existing international arms control regimes. 250 words