Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday (20/4) local time that Russia had successfully tested the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This weapon is said to be very terrible.
"This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, 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.
In western countries, the RS-28 Sarmat missile is sometimes called the Satan II or the devil missile. The Sarmat is an intercontinental nuclear-capable missile that is claimed to be able to hit targets anywhere.
"The Sarmat is the most powerful missile that has the highest range in the world and will significantly increase the capabilities of our country's strategic nuclear forces," the Russian Ministry of Defense said, quoted by ABC News, Thursday (21/4/2022).
Sarmat is said to be operational this year as well. This missile is said to be able to reach targets up to a distance of 18,000 kilometers and a maximum speed of 25,000 kilometers per hour.
The weight reaches 208 metric tons, 35.5 meters long and 3 meters in diameter. The design is said to make the Sarmat difficult to be tracked by radar.
Russia is shortening the time interval when a missile can be tracked by satellites, for example by the United States' Space Based Infrared System. The technology reportedly makes the movement of the Sarmat missile difficult to anticipate.
There is even speculation that the Sarmat could fly over the South Pole, making it immune to today's missile defense systems, especially those of the United States.
"The Sarmat can strike targets from both the North and South Poles. It is an extraordinary missile and with its characteristics, it will not be disturbed even by the most advanced missile defense systems," Putin said.
Sarmat will replace a similar system called Voevoda from Soviet times. Putin said Voevoda itself was scary, especially Sarmat, who was equipped with much higher abilities. "Sarmat will be equipped with a powerful and diverse nuclear warhead," Putin said.
On the other hand, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that Moscow had notified Washington of the intercontinental missile test under the 2011 New START treaty, which limits the nuclear weapons of the two countries.
"The trials are routine, and that's not surprising," Kirby told reporters. He said the Pentagon did not view the test as a threat to the United States or its allies.