Sarmat ICBM test shows robust Russian defense industry despite sanctions — expert

NEW DELHI, May 13. /TASS/. The sanctions pressure has not halted the development of the Russian defense industry contrary to the West’s expectations as confirmed by the successful test-launch of the advanced Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile system (ICBM), Girish Linganna, Indian defense analyst from Bangalore, told TASS. "Whatever the West expected sanctions to do, the opposite happened. Russian industry adapted, found new partners, and kept the lines running – hypersonics, drones, next-gen armor, electronic warfare, all of it improving fast because the lessons from the special military operation are getting baked straight back into doctrine and design," the expert explained. Commenting on the influence of stronger Russian strategic forces on security in Asia, Linganna said that such systems were perceived in the region as a factor of stability rather than that of a threat. "Simple message: Russia's shield is real and it's working," the expert stressed. Developments in strategic weapons technology will push countries like India to further invest in missile defense and deterrence systems, he said. "India, to its credit, isn't sitting still either. We're already upgrading our missile shield. In a world where many big powers are throwing their weight around, India's approach is steady and grown-up. Build a strong shield. Keep the deterrent sharp. Stay self-reliant," the expert pointed out. Speaking about the political significance of the Sarmat ICBM, the expert said that the missile system was both a military and psychological deterrence tool. "This is exactly how deterrence works in the real world," he said. With its huge size, long range and ability to dodge defense systems, the Sarmat is seen as a strong message from Russia to the rest of the world, the expert pointed out. "That's what Sarmat really is. A message. It quietly tells the rest of the world: 'don't push too hard, don't miscalculate, don't think you can corner us.' You don't need to fire it. You just need everyone to know you could. And that's the deepest part of all this. Somewhere in Washington, London, and Brussels, people are sitting in meetings rethinking their next move - not because anything was launched, but because something could be," he said. Russia’s Strategic Missile Force Commander Sergey Karakayev reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 12 about the successful test-launch of the Sarmat missile. The Strategic Missile Force is set to put the first regiment of Sarmat missiles on combat duty before the end of this year. Putin pointed out that the Sarmat is the world’s most powerful missile system that surpasses its most effective Western rivals by four times in terms of its yield. The Sarmat has an operational range of over 35,000 km. The missile can move both along its ballistic and suborbital flight paths, breaching all existing and future missile defense systems.