Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that the country will deploy its 'most powerful' nuclear missile, the Sarmat, by the close of this year. The announcement, made during a televised address, signals a continued focus on strengthening Russia's strategic military capabilities amidst ongoing international geopolitical shifts.
The Sarmat, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) known in the West as 'Satan II', has been described by Russian officials as capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and possessing the ability to evade existing missile defence systems. Its development and testing have been closely watched by international observers, given its potential implications for global strategic stability.
This declaration follows a period of heightened rhetoric from Moscow regarding its nuclear arsenal, particularly since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Western leaders have repeatedly condemned such statements, viewing them as a dangerous escalation and a threat to international peace and security. The deployment of such a weapon could be interpreted as a further assertion of Russia's military strength and a deterrent against perceived threats.
Experts suggest that while the Sarmat has been in development for many years, the timing of this announcement is significant. It comes as relations between Russia and Western nations, including the UK, remain severely strained. The missile is intended to replace the older SS-18 'Satan' ICBMs, which have been a cornerstone of Russia's strategic nuclear forces for decades.
The missile's capabilities, as described by Russian state media, include a range of approximately 18,000 kilometres, allowing it to strike targets across vast distances. Its ability to carry multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs) means it can deliver several warheads to different targets simultaneously, complicating missile defence strategies.