The Topol-M is similar to the earlier Topol strategic missile, but the missile has been improved. The main difference between the two is the way in which the enemy’s air and anti-missile defenses are breached. The missile can change its trajectory during flight. It can also carry active and passive lures. It is estimated that this type of missile has a penetration probability of 60-65%.

      The launch vehicle of the land-mobile “Topol”-M is based on the Belarus-made MZKT-79221 (also named MAZ-7922) 16×16 heavy-duty high-mobility transport vehicle chassis. The chassis is specially designed for this ICBM. It is similar to the launch vehicle used by the “Topol” missile, but it is driven by eight axles, while the MAZ-7917 launch vehicle used by the “Topol” missile has seven axles, and only the front three axles and the rear three axles can provide power. So this launch vehicle is very flexible in the same size class. It also has good off-road mobility. The crew of the launch vehicle was three. The battery life of the “Poplar”-M mobile launch vehicle can reach 500 kilometers. This allows the vehicle to be deployed covertly within a range equivalent to a small European country.      Road-mobile ICBMs are more difficult to detect and destroy. It is still very survivable after the first round of nuclear strikes. Once on high alert, Topol-M can quickly leave the base and deploy in remote forests, which can increase its survivability.