Russia Conducts Yars ICBM Launch Amid Heightened Nuclear Tensions, US Responds with Minuteman III Test

Russia's Strategic Nuclear Exercise Includes Yars ICBM Launch

On October 22, 2025, the Russian Federation conducted its annual strategic nuclear forces exercise, known as 'Grom' (Thunder), which included the launch of a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The launch originated from the Plesetsk State Test Cosmodrome and successfully impacted the Kura test site in Kamchatka. Overseen by President Vladimir Putin, the exercise involved the land, sea, and air components of Russia's strategic nuclear forces. Official statements indicated the drills were designed to 'practice the procedures for authorizing the use of nuclear weapons' and simulated a 'massive retaliatory strategic nuclear strike'.

The RS-24 Yars (NATO reporting name SS-29) is a formidable component of Russia's nuclear arsenal. It is a three-stage, solid-fueled, MIRV-capable (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) ICBM. Key specifications include:

• Length: Approximately 22.5 meters
• Diameter: Around 2 meters
• Launch Weight: Estimated at 49,000 kilograms
• Operational Range: Between 2,000 km and 10,500 km (some reports suggest up to 11,000 km)
• Warheads: Capable of carrying up to 10 MIRV warheads, each with an estimated yield of 300 kilotons, though some configurations may carry 3 warheads of 150-200 kilotons.
• Deployment: Can be launched from both fixed underground silos and mobile platforms.

The Yars missile is equipped with an advanced guidance system combining inertial navigation with Russia's GLONASS satellite network and features advanced flight maneuverability and decoys designed to evade modern missile defense systems.

United States Conducts Minuteman III Test Launch

In a separate but closely watched development, the United States Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) conducted an unarmed test launch of a Minuteman III ICBM on November 5, 2025. The missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, and its unarmed reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles (6,760 kilometers) to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

US officials described the test, designated GT 254, as a 'routine' and 'scheduled years in advance' activity aimed at assessing the 'reliability, operational readiness, and accuracy' of the Minuteman III system. The launch sequence was initiated by AFGSC personnel utilizing the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) from a US Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, demonstrating a backup command and control capability.

The LGM-30G Minuteman III is the sole land-based component of the US nuclear triad. Its characteristics include:

• Length: Approximately 18.2 meters
• Launch Weight: Around 36,030 kilograms
• Maximum Range: Up to 13,000 km (8,080 miles)
• Warheads: While capable of carrying three reentry vehicles, it is currently deployed with a single warhead (W78 or W87, 300-335 kilotons) in adherence to arms control treaties.

Escalating Nuclear Posturing and Arms Control Concerns

These missile tests by both nuclear powers occur amid a period of heightened nuclear control tensions. The US Minuteman III launch followed recent statements by former US President Donald Trump regarding the potential resumption of American nuclear testing 'on an equal basis' with Russia and China. Concurrently, Russia had recently announced successful tests of new nuclear-powered missiles, including the Burevestnik and Poseidon, and President Putin had ordered preparations for a potential resumption of nuclear tests.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the US had provided prior notification to Russia about its Minuteman III test, a practice often maintained despite broader geopolitical strains. The backdrop to these developments is the impending expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026, the last remaining arms control agreement between the US and Russia. While Russia suspended its participation in the treaty in February 2023, it pledged to continue abiding by its limits and notifying the US of ballistic missile test launches. Experts warn that the potential collapse of such agreements could lead to a new global nuclear arms race, further destabilizing international security.