Russia tests Yars ICBM capability enhancers

Russia tests enhancements for the Yars mobile ballistic missile systems which will increase their combat endurance, the Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday. Russian Strategic Missile Forces test a remote-controlled unmanned mine-sweeper designed to cut ways through mine fields for the Yars launchers, the Defense Ministry said. "The vehicle allows components of the missile system to breach minefields as well as reduce danger from the individually-planted explosive devices," the forces'engineering service head Col. Dmitry Yevmenenko told reporters. The new land drone will use advanced microwave emitters along with traditional mine-sweeping devices to detect and defuse mines on the patrol routes used by Yars launchers. The new mine-sweeper can clear a path up to 70 meters wide through the fields set by an enemy's commando or planted from air or by artillery, Yevmenenko said. The Yars missile system uses the multiple-warhead RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missiles. Along with the Topol-M, Yars has been a pillar for Russian strategic forces.