Russia conducted a combat training launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile

On August 28, Russia conducted a combat training launch of a mobile-based solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile. The missile was launched from the Plesetsk state test cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, and its training warheads reached the Kura test range in Kamchatka.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported the launch. The Russian agency did not disclose the specific model of the missile used.

According to The Moscow Times, the missile traveled more than 6,700 kilometers between the launch area and the test range in Kamchatka.

Missile troops practiced relocation of a mobile complex

Before the launch, units of the Strategic Missile Forces practiced redeploying a launch battery of a mobile ground missile complex to a remote area, and then prepared and carried out the launch.

The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the purpose of the test was to check the tactical, technical and flight characteristics of the missile system. According to the agency, the training warheads reached the designated area of the Kura test range, and all assigned tasks were completed.

Intercontinental ballistic missiles of this class are one of the components of Russian strategic nuclear forces. Mobile basing allows moving launchers between prepared positions and makes their detection more difficult.

Missile type not officially named

Some media identified the launched missile as the RS-24 Yars. In particular, the Brazilian Folha de S.Paulo reported this. The specialized project Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces also believes that the published video showed a Yars launch.

However, the official statement of the Russian Ministry of Defense does not specify the missile model. Therefore, it is not yet possible to reliably assert, based on the agency's statement, that on August 28 the RS-24 Yars was tested.

In May 2026, Russia already launched a Yars intercontinental missile from Plesetsk to the Kura test range as part of strategic forces exercises.

Launch took place amid tensions between Russia and NATO

The new test took place three days after a rare visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow. American media previously reported that during the talks he warned the Russian side against escalation against US NATO allies, primarily the Baltic states.

Simultaneously, European officials told Bloomberg that European intelligence services currently see no signs of Russia preparing a large-scale attack on NATO territory. At the same time, the risk of hybrid attacks, provocations and other limited actions by Russia remains a subject of heightened attention by the allies.

The Russian side did not state any connection between the launch of an intercontinental missile on August 28 and the visit of the CIA director or the current deterioration of relations with NATO.

Based on materials: The Moscow Times, Meduza, Folha de S.Paulo