Sarmat ICBM test-fire highlights Russia nuclear forces modernisation, Putin says

Russia on Tuesday carried out a test launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. The move formed part of Russia’s nuclear modernisation plans. President Vladimir Putin praised the test in public remarks. Putin said the nuclear-armed Sarmat missile would enter combat service at the end of the year.

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The Sarmat is intended to replace the Soviet-era Voyevoda missile system. In the West, the Sarmat is labelled Satan II. Russia plans to swap out about 40 Voyevoda missiles. Putin called the weapon "the most powerful missile in the world\". Putin also said its warheads exceed Western equivalents in combined power.

Sarmat missile test and Russia nuclear forces modernisation

Putin said the Sarmat matches Voyevoda’s power but improves accuracy. Putin also said it can fly on a suborbital path. Putin stated its range is more than 35,000 kilometres, or 21,700 miles. Putin added the design improves its ability to pass through future missile defences.

Development of the Sarmat started in 2011. Before Tuesday, it had only one known successful test. Reports also said a 2024 test ended in a large explosion. Putin linked the missile to a broader set of systems. Putin first presented those systems in 2018.

Putin Ukraine war comments and Russia nuclear forces modernisation

Putin has often raised nuclear threats since troops entered Ukraine in February 2022. The signalling aimed to discourage stronger Western support for Ukraine. After a Red Square parade on Saturday, Putin said the conflict was nearing an end. That parade marked the World War II defeat of Nazi Germany. Heavy weapons were absent for the first time in nearly two decades.

Since taking office in 2000, Putin has pushed nuclear upgrades across Russia’s triad. Russia has deployed hundreds of new land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles. Russia has also added new nuclear submarines. Nuclear-capable bombers have also received modernisation work as part of the same effort.

US Russia nuclear arms pact and Russia nuclear forces modernisation

Russia’s nuclear revamp also affected United States planning. The United States began an expensive modernisation of its own nuclear forces. The last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the US expired in February. That left no limits on the two largest atomic stockpiles. It also raised concerns about an unchecked arms race.

Putin has argued the new weapons respond to US missile defence policy. Washington expanded a missile shield after leaving a Cold War-era pact in 2001. Russian planners feared such defences could enable a first strike. They also feared surviving Russian missiles could be intercepted. Putin said: \"We were forced to consider ensuring our strategic security in the face of the new reality and the need to maintain a strategic balance of power and parity,\" Putin said.AP

New weapons and Russia nuclear forces modernisation

Russia also fielded the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle. Officials said it can fly at 27 times the speed of sound. The first Avangard vehicles have already entered service. Russia has also commissioned the nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile. A conventional version was used twice to strike Ukraine.

Oreshnik has a reported range of up to 5,000 kilometres, or 3,100 miles. That range puts targets across Europe within reach. Putin also said Russia neared completion of the Poseidon underwater drone. Putin also cited the Burevestnik cruise missile with nuclear propulsion. Both systems were presented as under late-stage development.

Poseidon is described as a nuclear-armed underwater drone. It is designed to detonate near coastlines and create a radioactive tsunami. Burevestnik is described as using small atomic reactors for propulsion. Putin said it has virtually unlimited range. The design would allow long loiter times and unusual attack routes.

With inputs from PTI