Source of this article and featured image is Wired Security. Description and key fact are generated by Codevision AI system.
Russia’s Sarmat ICBM test failed spectacularly, veering off course and highlighting systemic issues with the program. This marks another setback for a project plagued by delays since 2018, raising doubts about its combat readiness. The missile was meant to replace aging R-36M2 systems but its repeated failures have stalled nuclear modernization efforts. Analysts warn that Russia’s focus on the Ukraine war has further hampered its ability to upgrade strategic forces. The U.S. closely monitored the test, underscoring global interest in Russia’s military capabilities.
Key facts
- Russia’s Sarmat ICBM test failed, with the missile deviating from its intended trajectory.
- The Sarmat program has faced repeated technical delays since its 2018 inception, undermining its reliability.
- Analysts suggest the R-36M2 missiles may be phased out, but their replacement remains uncertain.
- The Ukraine war has diverted resources, slowing nuclear force modernization despite Putin’s rhetoric.
- U.S. surveillance planes tracked the test, emphasizing ongoing monitoring of Russian missile activities.
