General Sergey Karakaev, Commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces (SMF), in an exclusive interview with Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of this force, said that Russia is developing new missile systems that are no less effective than the Avangard nuclear glider and the Oreshnik hypersonic missile.
According to General Karakaev, Russia's current intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), including Avangard and Oreshnik, are equipped with new-generation warheads capable of penetrating any modern missile defense systems.
In particular, Russia is testing and preparing to put into use strategic systems such as Sarmat and Osina, which are considered formidable "punches" in Russia's deterrence arsenal.
He revealed that there are many other rocket projects under development, but “the time to announce them has not come yet.”
Among the systems highlighted is the RS-28 Sarmat missile – known to NATO as the “Satan II” – which is a focus. Set to enter service in late 2023, the RS-28 Sarmat is capable of carrying 10 heavy nuclear warheads or dozens of lighter ones, and is integrated with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle to evade sophisticated missile defense systems.
The Sarmat is particularly formidable because it can strike targets from Russia to the United States via the South Pole, avoiding missile defenses in Alaska. As for US missile bases in Romania and Poland - considered a threat near Russia's borders - General Karakaev asserted that they are not capable of countering Russia's hypersonic missiles.
“There is no place beyond our range of fire,” he stressed, revealing that Russian missiles are currently being designed to effectively counter any scenario of defense system development from the US and its allies.
Moscow sees NATO expansion toward Russia’s borders as an existential threat. President Vladimir Putin recently stressed that the Oreshnik hypersonic missile system would be part of Russia’s comprehensive response to the US deployment of intermediate-range missiles in Western Europe.
Last November, Russia demonstrated the power of the Oreshnik by launching a missile carrying a hypersonic warhead at a military factory in the city of Dnepr, Ukraine. According to plans, the Oreshnik will enter the mass production stage in 2025, giving Russia an additional advantage in the global arms race.
Amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, these new missile systems are not only a strategic deterrent but also a statement that Russia is ready to confront any threat.
