Russia tests nuclear-capable missile that Vladimir Putin says will make enemies ‘think twice’

 SBS, 22 Apr 22, The Sarmat, dubbed Satan 2 by Western analysts, is among Russia’s next-generation missiles that Russia’s president has called “invincible”. But the Pentagon says it is not concerned by the test launch.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia has successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, saying the weapon capable of carrying nuclear charges will make Kremlin’s enemies “think twice.”

The Sarmat, dubbed Satan 2 by Western analysts, is among Russia’s next-generation missiles that Mr 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, 

which Russia invaded on February 24………..

The Sarmat has been under development for years and so its test-launch is not a surprise for the West, but it comes at a moment of extreme geopolitical tension over the war in Ukraine.

Russia’s nuclear forces will start taking delivery of the new missile “in the autumn of this year” once testing is complete, Russian news agency TASS quoted Dmitry Rogozin, head of the Roscosmos space agency, as saying on Wednesday………

Mr Barrie said the Sarmat’s ability to carry 10 or more warheads and decoys, and Russia’s option of firing it over either of the Earth’s poles, posed a challenge to ground and satellite-based radar and tracking systems.

The Pentagon said the test was not seen as threatening to the United States and its allies.

Moscow “properly notified” Washington of the test following its obligations………….

Igor Korotchenko, editor in chief of Russia’s National Defence magazine, told RIA news agency it was a signal to the West that Moscow was capable of meting out “crushing retribution that will put an end to the history of any country that has encroached on the security of Russia and its people”. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/russia-tests-nuclear-capable-missile-that-vladimir-putin-says-will-make-enemies-think-twice/uks3pn9hn

April 22, 2022 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Russia, weapons and war