A group of researchers monitoring Russia’s nuclear weapons says the country tried to test-fire a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile, known as the Sarmat, but that the launch failed.
The Geneva-based Russian Nuclear Forces Project released an analysis on Monday. It indicated that a test-launch of the ICBM, which apparently took place last Thursday, ended in failure at the Plesetsk test site. The site is located in northern Russia.
The Sarmat is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads.
The group says that, based on analyses of satellite images taken on Saturday, the launch attempt was carried out on Thursday. It also says it was able to confirm that the test site was seriously damaged.
The group adds that fires continued to burn at the site for more than 24 hours. The group notes it is possible that the missile exploded when it was defueled.
Pavel Podvig is the director of the group. In a telephone interview with NHK on Tuesday, he said that the failed test will undoubtedly delay Russia’s plans to develop and deploy Sarmat missiles. But he added that it will have little impact on Russia’s nuclear forces, as the country is a nuclear superpower.
Russia announced that it had successfully test-launched a Sarmat in April 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the weapon can break through all kinds of missile defenses. He also said that those who try to threaten Russia will change their minds.