Russia raises the bar of nuclear deterrence… Sarmat ready with a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers
Russia announced on Tuesday the successful test of its latest strategic intercontinental missile system, the Sarmat.
Russian President Vladimir Putin received a report from the commander of the Strategic Rocket Forces Sergey Karakayev confirming the success of the Sarmat system test and the verification of the accuracy of its design and combat capabilities.
Putin congratulated the Russian forces on the successful launch of the missile, emphasizing that work on developing Russia’s nuclear deterrence forces has been ongoing since the early 2000s.
The Russian president stated that Moscow is gradually implementing the concept of developing its nuclear and strategic forces, noting the continued modernization of the hypersonic Kinzhal system, currently used in the war in Ukraine.
He also revealed that the Oreshnik complex can be fitted with nuclear warheads, while work on the Poseidon and Burevestnik systems has entered its final stages.
“The most powerful missile system in the world”
Putin stated that the Sarmat missile will enter combat service by the end of 2026, describing it as “the most powerful missile system in the world.”
He said the missile’s overall capability “exceeds by more than four times any comparable Western missile system,” with estimates suggesting a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers.
He noted that Sarmat does not only travel along a traditional ballistic trajectory, but can also fly along a quasi-orbital path, increasing its ability to bypass missile defense systems.
He added that the new system is no less powerful than the Soviet-era Voevoda system currently in use in Russia.
Penetrating current and future defenses
For his part, the commander of the Russian missile forces confirmed that the Sarmat system is capable of penetrating current and future missile defense systems.
He explained that deploying Sarmat launch platforms will significantly enhance the capabilities of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces.
He added that the first regiment equipped with Sarmat missiles will enter combat service before the end of the current year.
Deterrence messages to the West
Putin linked the acceleration of Russia’s nuclear modernization programs to the previous U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, arguing that Moscow was subsequently compelled to develop new systems to ensure its strategic security.
Sarmat is considered one of Russia’s key new nuclear deterrent weapons, designed to replace older Soviet missiles, with the ability to carry multiple nuclear warheads and penetrate complex Western defense networks.
The Russian announcement comes at a time of escalating military and technological competition between Moscow and the West, alongside the ongoing war in Ukraine and the expansion of the global strategic arms race.
