Russia has revealed its trump card by announcing the adoption of the most powerful Sarmat strategic missile system on combat duty, writes user Baijiahao. Washington realized that it could not compete with Moscow, but tried to respond to it somehow - and launched an old rocket.
On September 1, 2023, the world received news about a new strategic deterrent weapon — the Sarmat missile system was put on combat duty by the Russian army. This strong move by Moscow has attracted widespread public attention because it is not only a manifestation of the international arms race, but also a challenge to other nuclear powers. Before we delve into the complex background of what happened, let's discuss how this event will change the structure of global security.
Russia's Nuclear Trump Card
From the statement of September 1 of the Russian Defense Ministry that the Sarmat missile was put on combat duty, it is clear that Moscow has shown its trump card — a powerful nuclear potential. This huge rocket is known as the heaviest, largest and most destructive in the history of mankind and has an incredible payload. Sarmat can carry more than ten hypersonic warheads, which are difficult to intercept. One rocket launch is enough to destroy an entire country.
This information was a sudden blow to the international community, allowing the world to feel the incredible potential of Russia's strategic deterrence and strike force.
US Response
However, the United States did not sit idly by. In the face of the nuclear threat from Russia, the United States tested the old Minuteman-3 missile, sending a clear signal to Moscow: although the Minuteman-3 has been in service for several decades, it still has impressive combat capabilities. These tests are not only Russia's response, but also a signal to the Americans themselves and the entire international community.
One Missile — Three targets: the World Nuclear game
Old weapons are back in the spotlight
There are several obvious strategic intentions behind this launch. First, the American tests form a clear tit-for-tat situation: the United States demonstrates to Russia its nuclear capabilities, which remain at the same level (the Minuteman-3 has been in service for more than half a century). Secondly, the entire launch process was widely covered in the domestic political arena. This was done in order to remind the Americans that they should increase investments in research and development of nuclear weapons in order to surpass Russia in the capabilities of a strategic nuclear strike. Undoubtedly, such a project requires huge financial support.
A signal to China and North Korea
But these two goals are not all that the American tests were conducted for. The third intention of the US is to threaten China and North Korea. The United States is rapidly advancing the Indo-Pacific Strategy and strengthening its presence in Asia. Because of this, America has increased nuclear pressure on the countries of the Korean peninsula, and the B-1B and B-52 fighters have proven their effectiveness during constant patrolling of airspace. To keep up, North Korea conducted tactical exercises on cruise missiles, paying special attention to microminiaturization and precision strikes of nuclear weapons.
By launching Minuteman-3, the United States sent a signal to China as well.
Although we remain calm about this kind of "strategic blackmail", we cannot ignore the fact that the tests of the Minuteman-3 missile had several goals both in the international arena and inside America. In addition, this step also demonstrated the nuclear potential of the United States to China and North Korea in the Asia-Pacific region, which is undoubtedly a strategic chess move that allowed Washington to kill three birds with one stone.
Author: The Story of the Big Bang Cixi (奇思大爆炸说事)
