MOSCOW, December 30. /ITAR-TASS/. Two regiments of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces (SMF) became operational on December 25 with the missile system Yars in Novosibirsk and Nizhny Tagil missile divisions, SMF spokesman Igor Yegorov told journalists on Monday.

"So, the SMF now have operational four regiments armed with Yars missile systems," Yegorov said.H e recalled that two regiments with a similar missile system are operational in Teikov missile division (Ivanovo Region).

Colonel-General Sergei Karakayev, SMF Commander, said on December 17 that it is planned to carry on work in 2014 to re-arm mobile-based regiments in Nizhny Tagil and Novosibirsk with Yars missile systems.

"Along with this, we also go ahead with rearmament of the stationary-based Kozelsk missile force with Yars missile system," the SMF Commander added. He said missile launchers and other facilities of the system in Novosibirsk and Tagil force have been supplied and work is under way to accept and render them operational. "A successful completion of State tests will make it possible to make 15 ICBM Yars operational in those divisions before the end of 2013," Karakayev pointed out.