Russian military personnel have loaded a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into a silo launcher, the Russian Defense Ministry announced. The ministry released footage of the operation on its official channel on the Max messaging platform.

According to the ministry, the missile was installed at a stationary Strategic Missile Forces unit using specialized transport and loading equipment. The entire procedure takes several hours to complete.

The Defense Ministry published the video under a headline emphasizing the role of the Strategic Missile Forces in strengthening Russia’s nuclear shield.

Officials explained that the ongoing modernization of the Strategic Missile Forces extends beyond replacing existing missile systems. The program also includes developing modern infrastructure for military personnel stationed at strategic facilities.

Under plans for 2026, the rearmament effort is expected to increase the number of modern missile systems in service and enhance the combat capabilities of the land-based component of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces.

The Yars missile system is equipped with an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking targets at distances of up to 12,000 kilometers. The missile can carry as many as four nuclear warheads, each with a yield of between 300 and 500 kilotons, or a larger number of lower-yield warheads.

The announcement follows an earlier claim by Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate that Russia had accumulated a stockpile of up to 700 ballistic missiles and several thousand cruise missiles of various types.