politics
The missile meant to strike fear in Russia’s enemies fails once again
One of Vladimir Putin’s favorite sabres to rattle seems to have lost its edge.
TL;DR
- A Russian ICBM test failed shortly after launch, seen and heard for miles around the Dombarovsky air base.
- Video evidence shows the missile veering off course and crashing near the launch site.
- The crash released a toxic cloud, characteristic of the fuel used in powerful ICBMs.
- Analysts believe the missile was likely Russia's RS-28 Sarmat, its next-generation heavy-duty ICBM.
- The Sarmat is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads and is considered a 'doomsday weapon'.
- The program has suffered multiple failures, including a silo explosion last year.
- The Sarmat is intended to replace Russia's aging R-36M2 missile fleet, which was built in Ukraine.
- The failure impacts Russia's nuclear deterrence and delays the replacement of older missiles.
- Russia's military resources are currently focused on the war in Ukraine, potentially stalling nuclear modernization.
- A US surveillance plane was observed near Russia's missile impact range prior to the test.