Russian president Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday the brand new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile might be deployed this yr following US reviews that the weapon failed a current check.
The Sarmat – dubbed “Devil II” by Western analysts – is able to carrying a number of nuclear warheads and is amongst Russia’s next-generation missiles that Putin has described as “invincible”.
“We pay particular consideration, as earlier than, to strengthening the nuclear triad. This yr, the primary launchers of the Sarmat missile system might be placed on fight obligation,” he stated in a video launched by the Kremlin to mark the “Defender of the Fatherland Day” in Russia.
The tackle additionally comes a day earlier than the primary anniversary of Russia’s military campaign in neighbouring Ukraine.
CNN has cited two nameless US officers as saying the Sarmat seems to have failed a check this week.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday declined to touch upon the report, saying it was “the prerogative of the defence ministry”.
Putin has stated the heavy Sarmat missile can hit any goal on Earth and can make the Kremlin’s enemies “suppose twice”.
Throughout a state of the nation tackle on Tuesday, Putin stated Russia might be suspending its participation within the New START treaty, the final remaining nuclear arms pact with Washington.
However Moscow later stated it will nonetheless adjust to the treaty till it expires in early 2026.