Russia Conducts Successful Test Launch of Advanced Missile System

Russia Conducts Successful Test of New Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

Moscow, Russia - The Russian government has announced that it has successfully test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile, with President Vladimir Putin confirming that the nuclear-capable Sarmat missile will enter combat service at the end of the year.

According to state television, Putin was briefed on the successful launch by Sergei Karakayev, commander of Russia’s strategic missile forces. The Sarmat missile is described as having a warhead yield more than four times greater than any Western equivalent, and is capable of suborbital flight, giving it a range exceeding 35,000km.

The test comes after years of development, with the Sarmat first being unveiled in 2018 alongside other new weapons systems. The missile is designed to replace approximately 40 Soviet-built Voyevoda missiles, and Putin has stated that it offers higher precision than its predecessor.

The successful launch follows a series of setbacks, including an abortive test in 2024. Development of the Sarmat began in 2011, with only one known successful test prior to Tuesday’s launch.

The announcement comes as Russia and the United States are without any formal constraints on their nuclear arsenals following the expiration of the New START treaty in February. The two countries have agreed to resume high-level military dialogue, but there are currently no signs of progress towards a successor agreement.

Putin has overseen efforts to upgrade Russia’s nuclear capabilities, including deploying hundreds of new intercontinental ballistic missiles and modernizing nuclear-capable bombers. Other new weapons systems include the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle and the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Source: Al Jazeera