Russia tests nuclear-capable Sarmat missile that Putin says will make foes ‘think twice’
- The ICBM – dubbed ‘Satan 2’ by analysts – is among Moscow’s next-generation arms, which include the Kinzhal hypersonic weapons recently used in Ukraine
- The Sarmat weighs over 200 tonnes, can transport multiple warheads, and is designed to elude anti-missile defence systems with a short initial boost phase
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Russia tests new ballistic missile Putin says will ‘ensure security from external threats’
In a show of strength two months into its assault on Ukraine, Russia test-launched a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile which President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday would make Moscow’s enemies “think twice”.
The Sarmat – dubbed Satan 2 by Western analysts – is among Russia’s next-generation missiles that Putin has called “invincible”, and which also include the Kinzhal and Avangard hypersonic missiles.
Last month, Russia said it used Kinzhal for the first time in warfare to strike a target in Ukraine, where Russian troops have been engaged in a “special military operation” since February 24.
“I congratulate you on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile,” Putin told the army in televised remarks on Wednesday.
“This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure the security of Russia from external threats and make those who, in the heat of aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country, think twice,” Putin said.
Russia’s defence ministry said in a statement the test “successfully” took place at the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia.