MOSCOW – A test launch of Russia’s highly-touted Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), known as Satan II, has reportedly ended in a catastrophic explosion, destroying the launch facility. Satelliteimagery reveals a 200-foot-wide crater at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, indicating a massive explosion that occurred either before or duringthe launch.
The incident marks the fourth failure in five test launches of the Sarmat missile, raising serious concerns about its reliability and casting a shadow over Russia’s nuclear deterrent capabilities.
The Sarmat, designed to carry nuclear warheadsthousands of miles to targets, was previously declared combat ready by the Russian government. However, this latest incident underscores the ongoing challenges in developing and deploying this advanced weapon system.
Satellite imagery from Maxar and Planet Labs captured the dramaticaftermath of the explosion. Images taken before the launch show a pristine launch site, while subsequent images reveal a gaping crater, confirming the severity of the incident.
All indications point to a failed test. The explosion created a huge crater on the ground, said Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based analyst who tracks Russia’snuclear forces, speaking to Reuters. There was a serious accident with the missile and the launch facility.
Experts believe the missile malfunctioned shortly after ignition. Timothy Wright, an assistant research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, suggests a possible cause could be a failure of the firststage (booster) to ignite properly, or a catastrophic mechanical failure leading to the missile falling back into or near the launch silo and exploding.
The Sarmat, weighing 208 tons and boasting a range exceeding 11,000 miles, is the world’s longest-range missile. According to theCenter for Strategic and International Studies, it can carry up to 10 large warheads, 16 smaller warheads, a combination of warheads and countermeasures, or hypersonic glide vehicles.
The recent failure is expected to further delay the already-stalled production of the Sarmat and could potentially lead to theprogram’s cancellation. This means the new missile will likely replace the aging SS-18 missiles, extending their service life.
The incident comes amidst heightened tensions between Russia and the West, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Russia has previously hinted at using the Sarmat against Europe if Western countries approve plans forUkraine to use long-range missiles to strike deep inside Russian territory.
The explosion of the Sarmat missile raises significant questions about Russia’s military capabilities and its ability to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent. The incident also highlights the inherent risks and complexities involved in developing and deploying advanced weapons systems, particularly those with nuclear capabilities.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, the world watches with concern as Russia’s nuclear arsenal faces yet another setback. The implications of this failure extend beyond military capabilities, potentially impacting global security and the delicate balance of power.
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