Russia test-fires ‘world’s most powerful’ nuclear-capable missile

Russia test-launched a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday, two months into its war with Ukraine. It was in a display of power that President Vladimir Putin vowed would make Moscow’s adversaries stop and ponder.

Putin was shown on television. He was being informed by the military that the long-awaited Sarmat missile was successfully test-fired from Plesetsk in northwest Russia. Thereby, hitting targets approximately 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) distant.

The test of the Sarmat, Russia’s nuclear-capable missile, had been in development for years. But it did not surprise the West. However, it happened at a time when global tensions were at an all-time high. Since sending tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on February 24, Russia has yet to conquer any significant cities.

Ukraine’s defense ministry was likewise not instantly available for comment.

“Never encountered in your history.”

“The new complex has the highest tactical and technical characteristics and is capable of overcoming all modern means of anti-missile defense. It has no analogs in the world and won’t have for a long time to come,” Putin said.

“This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure Russia’s security from external threats and provide food for thought for those who, in the heat of frenzied aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country.”

Putin made an explicit reference to Russia’s nuclear forces while announcing the invasion eight weeks ago. Thus, warning the West that any attempt to meddle  “will lead you to such consequences that you have never encountered in your history.”

He ordered Russia’s nuclear forces to be placed on high alert a few days later. Last month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, “The prospect of nuclear conflict, once unthinkable, is now back within the realm of possibility.”

The Sarmat launched from a silo launcher was at 1512 Moscow time, according to Russia’s defense ministry (1212 GMT).

Once testing is over, Russia’s nuclear forces will begin receiving the new missile “in the autumn of this year. Tass quoted Dmitry Rogozin who is the chief of the  Roscosmos space agency.

Less than three weeks before the annual Victory Day parade, where Russia displays its latest weapons, Jack Watling of the RUSI think-tank in London said there was an element of posturing and symbolism involved. 

“The timing of the test reflects the Russians wanting to have something to show as a technological achievement in the lead-up to Victory Day, at a time when a lot of their technology has not delivered the results they would have liked,” Watling said.

Significant milestone

After years of delays due to financial concerns and design challenges, Douglas Barrie said the launch was a significant milestone. Barrie is a senior in the military aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies,

More tests are in need, he said, before Russia can deploy it in favor of the SS-18 and SS-19 missiles. They are “well past their sell-by date.”

The Sarmat’s ability to carry 10 or more warheads, decoys, and Russia’s ability to fire it over either pole, presented a challenge. The challenge was to the ground and satellite-based radar and tracking systems, according to Barrie.

It was a statement to the West, said Igor Korotchenko, editor in chief of Russia’s National Defense magazine. Moscow was capable of “crushing retribution that will put an end to the history of any country that has encroached on the security of Russia and its people”.

Ukraine has stood firm in its opposition. The West has applied sweeping sanctions in an attempt to convince Russia to withdraw forces. It claims they are on a specific mission to weaken its southern neighbor’s military capabilities and weed out “dangerous nationalists.”

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