Russia has experienced a major setback in the development of its Sarmat missile, a key component of its nuclear arsenal modernization efforts. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies have revealed a crater about 60 meters wide at the launch silo in the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, indicating a failed test of the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. Experts suggest that the failure may have occurred due to issues with the first stage booster igniting properly or suffering a catastrophic mechanical failure.
The destruction around the missile silo suggests an explosion occurred shortly after ignition, raising concerns about the viability of the Sarmat program. Despite multiple setbacks and delays in testing, Russia has touted the Sarmat’s capabilities, including a range of 18,000km and the ability to carry multiple nuclear warheads. President Vladimir Putin has emphasized Russia’s nuclear superiority amid growing tensions with the West.
The latest failure is the fourth successive test setback for the Sarmat missile, potentially delaying its deployment and raising questions about the program’s viability. The damage at the Plesetsk site is expected to impact the overall Sarmat program and put pressure on the existing SS-18 missiles that the Sarmat is meant to replace. However, analysts believe that Russia is likely to continue with the Sarmat program to maintain competition between rival designers and avoid dependence on a single missile source.
The US and its allies are closely monitoring Russia’s nuclear developments amidst heightened global tensions, especially in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin has not commented on the recent Sarmat test failure, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
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