Russia announces successful first test for its new “Sarmat” intercontinental missile

This screenshot was taken from video footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry on April 20, 2022 shows the launch of the 'Sarmat' intercontinental ballistic missile at the Plesetsk test range, Russia.

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Russia announced on Wednesday that it had successfully completed a first test of its new "Sarmat" intercontinental ballistic missile, a weapon which is to replace the SS-18 "Satan" missiles and which would be a response by the Russian army to the American Prompt Global Strike program.

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The RS-28

Sarmat

is a new generation weapon.

A very long-range thermonuclear missile, the fifth of its generation, which would have no equivalent, according to Russian President

Vladimir Putin.

Capable of being equipped with several nuclear or conventional warheads which each follow an independent trajectory when entering the atmosphere, it was tested and fired for the first time on Wednesday April 20 in a region located in northwestern Russia. .

The missile is believed to have hit its target in Russia

's Far East

, 5,000 kilometers from the launch pad.

'

Not a threat

 '

But the

Sarmat

missile could have a range of more than 11,000 kilometers, its weight exceeding 200 tons.

A weapon " 

which will ensure Russia's security in the face of external threats and which will make those who try to threaten our country with wild and aggressive rhetoric think twice,

 " explained Vladimir Putin during a televised address.

According to Mr. Putin, the missile is capable of “ 

outsmarting all modern anti-aircraft systems 

”.

The test program for this new missile will therefore continue before it is integrated into the Russian strategic forces.

And this first test was not a surprise, according to Washington, since Moscow had informed the United States of the realization of this test, in accordance with the obligations under the nuclear treaties.

The test poses " 

no threat

 " to the United States or its allies, the Pentagon said.

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To read also: The United States ends the tests of anti-satellite missiles

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