Russia successfully tests new intercontinental ballistic missile, Putin: This missile system will be put on combat duty by the end of this year.

[Global Times correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin, Global Times special correspondent, Ren Zhong] On the 12th local time, Russia test-fired the latest "Sarmat" intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Russian President Putin stated that this test was "a significant event, achieving undeniable success," and confirmed that this "most powerful missile system in the world" will be put on combat duty by the end of this year. The Russian side revealed that it had notified the United States about the test launch. The Associated Press mentioned on the 13th that just three months ago, the last treaty limiting the nuclear arsenals of Russia and the U.S. had just expired, raising concerns about an unconstrained nuclear arms race.

According to a report by TASS on the 12th, the commander of the Russian Strategic Rocket Forces, Karakayev, reported to Putin via video conference that Russia successfully test-fired the latest "Sarmat" intercontinental ballistic missile that day. He stated that the deployment of the "Sarmat" missile system "will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of land-based strategic nuclear forces, ensuring effective target destruction and the execution of strategic deterrence missions."

The "Sarmat" is a heavy intercontinental ballistic missile developed by Russia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, weighing over 200 tons and capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads. According to the Moscow Komsomolets on the 12th, based on Karakayev's report, the test results of the "Sarmat" missile confirmed the validity of its established technical specifications and the correctness of the design scheme used. He indicated that the "Sarmat" outperforms the RS-20 intercontinental missile (referred to as "Satan" by the West) developed during the Soviet era in terms of range and operational capability. Karakayev stated that the successful test launch of the "Sarmat" strategic missile system will enable the Russian armed forces to deploy the first missile regiment equipped with this strategic system and put it on combat duty by the end of 2026.

After receiving the report of the successful launch of the "Sarmat" intercontinental ballistic missile, Putin confirmed to the public on the 12th that the "Sarmat" intercontinental missile will be put on combat duty by the end of this year. He introduced that the "Sarmat" has a range of over 35,000 kilometers, with double the accuracy, and that this missile can not only fly along a ballistic trajectory but also maneuver along a suborbital trajectory, capable of penetrating all missile defense systems, making it "the most powerful missile system in the world," with a total yield of its warheads more than four times that of any existing Western equivalent (even the most powerful). Putin also revealed that, in addition to the "Sarmat," the development of the "Poseidon" nuclear-powered unmanned underwater vehicle and the "Tsirkon" nuclear-powered cruise missile equipped with small nuclear power devices has entered the final stage. The Moscow Komsomolets reported on the 13th that the "Sarmat" missile can carry up to 16 nuclear warheads.

Russian presidential press secretary Peskov told domestic media on the 12th that the Kremlin had notified the United States and other countries about this test. AFP reported on the 12th that the Russia-U.S. New START treaty was effective until February 5 of this year. The U.S. government has remained silent on Russia's calls to extend the New START treaty, and there have been no immediate signs of renewal or extension of the treaty. The Associated Press reported on the 13th that Moscow is concerned about a preemptive strike from Washington that could destroy most of Moscow's nuclear arsenal.

The editor-in-chief of Russia's Defense magazine, Korotchenko, told TASS on the 12th that the successful test of the "Sarmat" missile strongly demonstrates Russia's capability as a nuclear power to deter any potential adversary. He stated that once this intercontinental ballistic missile is put on combat duty in the future, it will help Russia maintain strategic stability in a complex and changing global military and political situation. Senior researcher Podvig at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research believes that it is realistic for Russia to deploy the largest missile this year, but this will not lead to a significant change in the deterrent potential of Russia's strategic forces.

However, the Ukrainian Kyiv Post reported on the 13th that the successful test launch has revived Russia's nuclear weapons program, which had previously been mired in difficulties due to multiple failures, explosions, and repeated delays in deployment timelines. The Greek news website "Pentapostagma" stated that despite over a decade of development, the "Sarmat" missile has not yet been deployed in actual combat. The "Sarmat" is intended to replace the aging "Satan" missile system, and delays in the replacement process have raised doubts about the long-term reliability of Russia's land-based nuclear deterrent forces.

According to the Russian Komsomolskaya Pravda on the 12th, in the current military and political situation, the significance of such intercontinental ballistic missile test launches is special. Russian military observer Viktor Baranets stated that the test launch is not only a technical test but also an important signal sent to the West, "reminding those who plan to attack Russia just how powerful our nuclear arsenal is." 

The U.S. National Interest magazine's website reported that since being incorporated into Russia's nuclear arsenal in 2022, the "Sarmat" missile has become the cornerstone of Russia's nuclear deterrent strategy. By maintaining a strong, modernized intercontinental ballistic missile force, Russia aims to deter potential aggressors and maintain strategic parity with the United States. Today, the "Sarmat" missile is the most advanced and destructive intercontinental ballistic missile in the world.