Russia has test launched a new intercontinental ballistic missile, raising fears of a further escalation of Vladimir Putin's barbaric war in Ukraine.
The Russian leader said the Sarmat missile, also known as Satan-2, will provide 'food for thought for those who try to threaten Russia' and will make his enemies 'think twice'.
The first launch was carried out today from an underground silo at the Plesetsk spaceport in northern Russia at a moment of heightened tensions after Putin threatened the use of nuclear weapons in response to perceived Western provocation.
The Kremlin claims the unmatched 16,000mph missile, which has been in development for years, could destroy the UK, hit any target on earth and carry 12 nuclear warheads.
It is among Russia's next-generation missiles that Putin has called 'invincible,' and which also include the Kinzhal and Avangard hypersonic missiles.
The launch comes as a growing number of senior Kremlin insiders are said to be fearing the Russian strongman could resort to using nuclear weapons as Moscow's position worsens.
Putin was shown on TV being briefed by the military that the missile, expected to go into service this year, had been launched from the country's northwest and hit targets in the Kamchatka peninsula in the far east.
He told the army: 'I congratulate you on the successful launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.
'This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably 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.'
Last month, Russia said it used Kinzhal for the first time in warfare to strike a target in Ukraine.
No comments:
Post a Comment