Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the successful testing of Russia’s new ‘Sarmat’ nuclear missile system, claiming that its strike range could exceed 35,000 kilometres — enough to reach virtually any point on Earth. The missile is expected to be deployed for combat duty by the end of this year, according to Russian officials.
Described by Moscow as one of the world’s most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), the RS-28 Sarmat has been developed as part of Russia’s strategic nuclear modernisation programme launched in 2018. Putin said the missile has the capability to bypass existing and future anti-missile defence systems.
Speaking after the latest test launch, Putin said work on other advanced weapons systems, including the Poseidon underwater drone and the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, had also reached the final stage. He further hinted that the Oreshnik missile system could potentially be equipped with nuclear warheads in the future.
According to General Sergei Karakayev, commander of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, the deployment of the Sarmat system would significantly strengthen Russia’s strategic deterrence capability. Russian state television broadcast visuals of the missile test, which officials termed successful.
However, Western security analysts have questioned some of Moscow’s claims regarding the missile’s capabilities. Experts noted that earlier Sarmat tests reportedly faced setbacks, including a failed launch in 2024 that allegedly damaged a launch silo.
The latest announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine conflict, with nuclear rhetoric once again intensifying global security concerns.