Russia recently tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to show its enemies how ‘Moscow is prepared to fight against all forms of resistance’.
President Vladimir Putin was shown on television being told by the military that the missile had been launched from Plesetsk in Russia’s northwest and hit targets in the Kamchatka peninsula in the far east on Wednesday.
Addressing the Russian army on television, Putin boasted on the new nuclear capabilities and said the project will make Moscow’s enemies “think twice”.
“I congratulate you on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.
“This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats, and make those who – in the heat of aggressive rhetoric – try to threaten our country think twice,” he said.
Sarmat is a new heavy ICBM that Russia is expected to deploy with 10 or more warheads on each missile, according to the United States Congressional Research Service.
It has been under development for years and so its test launch is not a surprise for the West, but it comes at a moment of extreme geopolitical tension over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Launching the Ukraine invasion on February 24, Putin made a pointed reference to Russia’s nuclear forces and warned the West that any attempt to get in its way “will lead you to such consequences that you have never encountered in your history”.
Days later, he ordered Russia’s nuclear forces to be put on high alert.
