A terrible "Sarmatian". Will the Russians use it and where?
Russian missile systems are a deterrent, but if they remain so, Russia will lose the remnants of its former authority, the author of Al Mayadeen believes. He names the place where the new "Sarmat" should be applied.
This is not the first time Russia has tested new types of weapons. And it is not the first time that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally announces the appearance of new Russian missiles, talking about their tactical and technical characteristics. At a press conference held in 2018, Putin spoke about the nuclear triad (nuclear weapons on the ground, in the air and at sea), which caused a big stir in the West. And on the eve of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, he attended the tests of the Avangard intercontinental ballistic missile.
Russia recently tested the RS-28 "Sarmat" (according to the NATO classification – SS-X-30 "Satan-2"), which again caused a big stir in the West. One of the reasons was the demonstration of the highest capabilities of Sarmat, and the other was the time chosen for the tests, which coincided with the Russian operation in Ukraine, the introduction of anti–Russian sanctions and the solidarity of the international community towards Russia.
The RS-28 Sarmat is a Russian strategic missile system with a heavy multi–stage liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile, which is considered one of the most dangerous types of nuclear weapons in the world. The new complex has the highest characteristics and is able to overcome all modern means of missile defense. The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile develops a speed of 24,000 km/h (or mach 20), which is twenty times the speed of sound. Its diameter is 3 meters, and the firing range is 18,000 kilometers. It also has a huge explosive force capable of destroying vast territories.
The mass of the rocket is 220 tons, and its length is 22 meters. In flight to the chosen target, it can circumnavigate both the North and South Poles of the Earth. Sarmat is capable of carrying from 7 to 10 nuclear and hypersonic warheads weighing more than 10 tons. According to its characteristics, the RS-28 Sarmat surpasses all modern anti-aircraft missile systems.
It is likely that the Russians will still have to use the Sarmat strategic combat complexes. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the unique characteristics of this intercontinental missile, which will be used against NATO and the United States in case of aggression. The tactical and technical characteristics of the Sarmat are as follows.
An intercontinental complex with high destructive capabilities
And this makes Sarmat one of the main means of strategic nuclear deterrence. Combat complexes are capable of delivering any warheads to destroy a vast territory. We are talking about a large country or a group of small states anywhere in the world. Recall that in flight to the selected target, the rocket can circumnavigate both the North and South Poles of the Earth.
"One hundred percent" ability to bypass any air defense systems
The strategic combat complex "Sarmat" is capable of destroying enemy anti-missiles even before they can reach it. But Putin's statement about the Sarmat's ability to overcome all modern missile defense systems (ABM) raises some doubts. How can the Russian leader guarantee that in the future no one will create a missile defense system capable of effectively countering Sarmat? His confidence in Sarmat's capabilities remains unshakable and is based on various factors. One of them is the fact that NATO and the US missile defense systems are not capable of intercepting Russian missiles, especially hypersonic ones. Recall that the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile develops a speed of 24,000 km / h (or 20 mach), which is twenty times the speed of sound.
It carries from 7 to 10 hypersonic warheads weighing about 10 tons
This is most intimidating to Russia's opponents (NATO and the United States). "Sarmat" is equipped with a separable head unit with individual guidance units. The missile system can carry from 7 to 10 nuclear warheads or hypersonic missiles (nuclear or conventional). Each missile has all the characteristics of the Sarmat: precise guidance, high explosive power, speed and the ability to evade advanced air defense systems.
It works effectively even after a nuclear strike from the enemy
"Sarmat" is able to work effectively even after an enemy nuclear strike. Its launcher is located underground, that is, in a safe place. Sarmat's capabilities allow it to fly around missile defense zones, which excludes the interception of these missiles by any enemy defensive systems. In addition, in the presence of Sarmat, early warning systems about a missile attack become unnecessary.
"Sarmat" is a unique means of nuclear deterrence or warfare. A review of the tactical and technical characteristics of the Sarmat and the time chosen for the tests speaks of the enormous pressure that the Russians are subjected to due to the military operation in Ukraine and the Russophobic policy of the West. The United States and European countries supply weapons and money to Ukraine, as well as provide unprecedented diplomatic and political support to it. It is possible that the Russians will take unexpected actions and use their missile capabilities. While Russian missile systems are a deterrent, but if they remain so, Russia will lose the remnants of its former authority.
Where in this case will "Sarmat" be used? Will the Russians be able to find an acceptable solution for launching a missile strike that will demonstrate their strength and determination, but at the same time will not shake the situation in the world?
Putin announced the Sarmat's ability to circumnavigate both the North and South Poles of the Earth. Thus, what prevents them from carrying out the first launch of this rocket towards the North Pole, where there is currently a struggle for the natural resources of the Arctic. Will this show Russia's determination and strength?
Author: Charles Abu Nadir (─ارل أبي ─ادر)
