New Russian heavy ICBM - Sarmatian

I wonder if expertise in ICBM financially helps Russia. They don't seem to sellable weapons so their only purpose seems to be prestige and ensuring MAD. But MAD is already assured because Russian ICBMs are all far more advanced than any US nuclear carrier system.

Also could the sarmat help Russian foreign policy?

Its not that there shouldn't be ICBM development, but investing vast amounts of money in an area where Russia is already 30-40 years ahead technologically to any other nuclear country seems to be a bit excessive. Wouldn't all these rubles be put to better use in investing in for example, the Russian aircraft or ship industry and only start developing new ICBMs in the 2030s?

KomissarBojanchev wrote:I wonder if expertise in ICBM financially helps Russia. They don't seem to sellable weapons so their only purpose seems to be prestige and ensuring MAD. But MAD is already assured because Russian ICBMs are all far more advanced than any US nuclear  carrier system.  

Also could the sarmat help Russian foreign policy?

Its not that there shouldn't be ICBM development, but investing vast amounts of money in an area where Russia is already 30-40 years ahead technologically to any other nuclear country seems to be a bit excessive. Wouldn't all these rubles be put to better use in investing in for example, the Russian aircraft or ship industry and only start developing new ICBMs in the 2030s?

The SS-18 which this weapon is to replace has about 5 years of life left.

franco wrote:

KomissarBojanchev wrote:I wonder if expertise in ICBM financially helps Russia. They don't seem to sellable weapons so their only purpose seems to be prestige and ensuring MAD. But MAD is already assured because Russian ICBMs are all far more advanced than any US nuclear  carrier system.  

Also could the sarmat help Russian foreign policy?

Its not that there shouldn't be ICBM development, but investing vast amounts of money in an area where Russia is already 30-40 years ahead technologically to any other nuclear country seems to be a bit excessive. Wouldn't all these rubles be put to better use in investing in for example, the Russian aircraft or ship industry and only start developing new ICBMs in the 2030s?

The SS-18 which this weapon is to replace has about 5 years of life left.

But all western ICBMs are from the 60s and there are no plans to replace them.

KomissarBojanchev wrote:............
But all western ICBMs are from the 60s and there are no plans to replace them.

Different defense doctrine.

USA relies on SSBNs for nuclear deterrence, Russia puts heavier emphasis on land based ones in comparison.

GarryB wrote:Western ICBMs were not made in the Ukraine, and are not currently facing a deployed ABM system located in Europe, soon Asia and the US...

US ABM systems feature very shitty missile technology decades behind the S-400. And even if it did destroy a few ICBMs, there is no gaurantee that most won't make it and even a single nuclear blast on US soil is unacceptable for American politicians, so the ABM is a waste of money that doesn't stop MAD. Even if you're gonna lecture me about the madness of neocons, they're inherently cowards and don't wanna lose credibility by causing a second nuclear crisis. That makes the Sarmat, kinda redundant.

In short, the ABM is similar to the bomber gap and star wars, worthless money sinks that benefit Russia, but Russia shouldn't waste money also.

PapaDragon wrote:

KomissarBojanchev wrote:............
But all western ICBMs are from the 60s and there are no plans to replace them.

Different defense doctrine.

USA relies on SSBNs for nuclear deterrence, Russia puts heavier emphasis on land based ones in comparison.

And NATO SLBMs are obsolete tridents that have no replacements for now, so the NATO nuclear triad is behind Russia's in absolutely every area. Russia should continue with the Bulava and up the production of the Yars and barguzin, but lay off the sarmat for a while.

I ask again, how does Ballistic missile technology help Russia monetarily?

KomissarBojanchev wrote:.......
And NATO SLBMs are obsolete tridents that have no replacements for now, so the NATO nuclear triad is behind Russia's in absolutely every area. Russia should continue with the Bulava and up the production of the Yars and barguzin, but lay off the sarmat for a while.

I ask again, how does Ballistic missile technology help Russia monetarily?

I have no idea where this myth of Trident obsolescence comes from but even if it is somehow true US submarines that carry them are most definitely not obsolete and those Tridents will certainly be hitting targets should they be launched.

As for monetary benefits of ballistic missile development those projects are tops secret so there is no way to know.

My guess for Sarmats would be rocket engine, thermal resistant materials and composites. But that is just a guess. We won't know correct answer for another several decades.

You also need new missiles to replace Satans and carry new hypersonic glide vehicles.

I will tell you the monetary gain by these:

1) Your nation is secured from being invaded and destroyed. Having heavy ICBM's will guarantee that it can bypass any current and future ABM system while Yars and Bulava may bypass at some point or another and others may get knocked out.
2) The production of new materials creates plenty of jobs - more jobs, more money circulating the economy, more people buying goods. Don't build stuff, company goes out of business, scientists leave, various facilities working on the project by supplying parts that many of parts can be used in other goods (the materials, guidance systems, etc) have left the country or found other kind of employment, and less money circulating the economy.
3) Why ask these questions all the time?
4) People know that you cannot be messed with so they will continue to work with you, as per evident of the sanctions. So all in all, they cant bully you around like they are doing with Iran and North Korea.
5) other shit.

I can't believe we are even discussing this.

miketheterrible wrote:I will tell you the monetary gain by these:

1) Your nation is secured from being invaded and destroyed.  Having heavy ICBM's will guarantee that it can bypass any current and future ABM system while Yars and Bulava may bypass at some point or another and others may get knocked out.
2) The production of new materials creates plenty of jobs - more jobs, more money circulating the economy, more people buying goods.  Don't build stuff, company goes out of business, scientists leave, various facilities working on the project by supplying parts that many of parts can be used in other goods (the materials, guidance systems, etc) have left the country or found other kind of employment, and less money circulating the economy.
3) Why ask these questions all the time?
4) People know that you cannot be messed with so they will continue to work with you, as per evident of the sanctions.  So all in all, they cant bully you around like they are doing with Iran and North Korea.
5) other shit.

I can't believe we are even discussing this.

1.North Korea doesn't have Sarmat, yet noone will invade it
2. Nobody except the Russian government will buy the ICBMs, therefore, no profit. I wish there weren't treaties so that Russia could sell ICBMs to enemies of the western empire.
3. It pisses me off when the Russian navy and Air force(PAK FA numbers, PAK DA, A-50, targeting pods, GLONASS, etc) and other vital industries(gas turbines) are underfunded to develop ICBMs.
4. The EU doesn't want to cooperate with Russia over Ukraine and the US dared kill SAA soldiers. So Russia will continue to be bullied with sarmat or not. Or do you think westerners will stop making color revolutions and lift sanctions magically when sarmat comes into service?
5. Like what? The only thing I can think of is space exploration technology, but russia by now has independently developed them from their ICBM programs.

You are aware of the fact the need for it? And the fact that North Korea keeps developing different type of missiles for same purpose as well.

Also, once the missiles are purchased and operating, that will increase funding for other weapon systems as they will be able to divert procurement funds at that point.

miketheterrible wrote:You are aware of the fact the need for it? And the fact that North Korea keeps developing different type of missiles for same purpose as well.

Also, once the missiles are purchased and operating, that will increase funding for other weapon systems as they will be able to divert procurement funds at that point.

And we see that no matter what NK does western policy towards it doesn't change.

By the time sarmat is in service completely it'll already be 2025.

KomissarBojanchev wrote:

miketheterrible wrote:You are aware of the fact the need for it? And the fact that North Korea keeps developing different type of missiles for same purpose as well.

Also, once the missiles are purchased and operating, that will increase funding for other weapon systems as they will be able to divert procurement funds at that point.

And we see that no matter what NK does  western policy towards it doesn't change.

By the time sarmat is in service completely it'll already be 2025.

And? What is your fucking problem? You are not even making a point. You don't even have an argument. You are just trying to compare strategic weapons that prevent an enemy from attacking you, to fighter jets.

Sorry, but you don't have a leg to stand on in this argument. You will just go in circles talking as if you know what you are saying. When you do not. More intelligent and capable people are involved in this and it gets done. Nuclear forces is what guarantees Russias sovereignty.

The ballistic missile test "Sarmat" was postponed

As Ivan Safronov and Alexandra Djordjevic write in the article "Sarmat" will be held at the booth, "published in today's issue of Kommersant, the Ministry of Defense will launch the newest liquid intercontinental ballistic missile RS-28 Sarmat not earlier than the fourth quarter of 2017. The reason for the postponement of the terms is the need to conduct additional tests at the stands of the Krasnoyarsk machine-building plant.

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2704103.html

Habitually, the missiles are named as a different weapon, but in fact they are the ammunition.

The weapon really is the launcher, in the case of the SS-18, the silo system, and it need ammunition. Improvements on ammunition are being done for all the weapons, and more if the previous ammunition is becouming coming to the end of its life.

Habitually the weapons of critical importance are the weapons exported not. And are not exported because Russia wants not other countries to have them, even being friends. The reasons are to keep some military advantage and to avoid the use against Russia of these weapons. As consequence, I do not agree with the point that not exported weapons give not a benefit to Russia. In fact the benefit is bigger, and the not exported critical weapons are the last to suffer the cuts. And more in a situation where Russia has large stocks of conventional weapons proved capable in recent wars and some delay in procurement of new conventional weapons makes not a difference.

In overall terms I consider mobile platforms to be better, but for there is not mobile platform that resists missiles of this size, then, this is the right way to follow for Russia.

PS: If North Korea has not been invaded at this point is because its two big neighbors and their military forces.

The ballistic missile test "Sarmat" was postponed

They are saving costs on sarmat.

Sarmat had 4 different versions (from very small warheads to very big payloads (few in number)).

They had 4 missiles(some regiment for testing , but testing was stopped after Trump came into power).
The situation remains the same.

Fro 2 years there has been no update of Sarmat. It has almost disappeared.

The ballistic missile "Sarmat" is scheduled to be thrown before the end of 2017

As Ivan Safronov and Alexandra Jorodzhevich write in the article "Sarmat got to the launch," published in the newspaper Kommersant, until the end of the year, the Russian Defense Ministry plans to hold two ballistic tests of the liquid intercontinental ballistic missile RS-28 "Sarmat" at the Plesetsk cosmodrome ". The timing of these tests was repeatedly postponed due to the unavailability of both the silo launcher and the ICBM itself. Now, according to Kommersant sources, the problems have been resolved: the future missile program will be adjusted based on the analysis of the "throw" of the RS-28.

The fact that the Ministry of Defense plans to hold before the end of 2017 the ballistic tests of ICBM "Sarmat", "Kommersant" told interlocutors close to the department and the missile industry. According to one of them, the program provides for the launch of a missile from a silo installation from the Plesetsk landfill. "The main purpose is to check the performance of the missile systems at the time of the exit from the mine and the inclusion of the first stage of Sarmat with subsequent operation for about five seconds," the source said. He clarified that if the ball rolling test is completed regularly, the second one will take place in the same year.

The development of engines for the RS-28 Sarmat missile was carried out by Energomash, which received a technical assignment for the development of a prospective propulsion system in early 2013. The product was named PDU-99. The production was decided by the decision of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to the enterprise of PJSC "Proton-PM". In 2014 four models of the product were shipped at the appointed time, but in March 2016 it was noted that the development of the production of a liquid-propellant rocket engine for ICBMs lagged behind the deadlines "in connection with the novelty of the product." The first successful fire tests of the first stage engine took place in August 2016.

However, the problems with the timing were preserved. Recall, as previously reported "Kommersant" (see the issue of July 3), testing the newest liquid rocket "Sarmat" was planned to be held in 2016, but the terms were constantly shifted "to the right." The next attempt was scheduled for March 2017, but by that time experts had not managed to equip the mine launcher at the Plesetsk space center. The launch was postponed to April, but then during the "strength" tests at the Krasnoyarsk machine-building plant problems arose with the rocket itself. The troubleshooting was given about two months: "Interfax" reported that the tests were postponed to June. But even then they were not carried out - they were transferred to the fourth quarter of 2017, after a test cycle at the stands.

Military expert Alexei Leonkov recalls that when the Ministry of Defense adopted the strategic missile of the PC-20V ​​Voevoda missile silo, which was intended to replace the RS-28 Sarmat, more than 30 ballistic tests were carried out, and not all of them were successful. "Since these are three-stage missiles, there should be many trials, so that each stage worked like a clock, because no difficulty in flight can not be eliminated," the expert told Kommersant. However, according to him, the generation following the "Vojevoda" generation will require a smaller number of "shots", which means that further terms, perhaps, will not move any more. As the expert noted, before the flight-design tests, several throwing and several test tests (to defeat the target zone and to the maximum range) should take place. Successful tests of the newest missile are also significant because Sarmat is called upon to perform the functions of a carrier of hypersonic weapons, which should become one of the key factors for the breakthrough of the existing and prospective ABM system.

As they say in the Ministry of Defense, the missile should be adopted into service in 2019-2020. After that, the military deployed it in Uzhur (Krasnoyarsk Territory) and Dombarovo (Orenburg region) divisions of the Strategic Missile Force.

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2908282.html

Sarmat ejection test?

http://russianforces.org/blog/2017/12/sarmat_ejection_test_at_last.shtml

https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3025750.html

KomissarBojanchev wrote:I wonder if expertise in ICBM financially helps Russia. They don't seem to sellable weapons so their only purpose seems to be prestige and ensuring MAD. But MAD is already assured because Russian ICBMs are all far more advanced than any US nuclear  carrier system.  

Also could the sarmat help Russian foreign policy?

No ..
Russian nukes , and Sarmat and any Nuclear Submarine.. does not help in any way, shape or form Russia foreign policy.
Its only a deterrence weapon , to scare Russian enemies ,US and closest allies from seeking a direct nuclear confrontation with Russia or try anything involving a NATO invasion on Russia or from blocking Russia sea routes..

It neither helps Russia economy because Russia does not export their nukes .

So Sarmat guarantee Russia will never be attacked ?
No.. look at Turkey attack on Russian plane.. and the attack of Alqaeda-Pentagon on Russian base on Syria.
that got 2 soldiers killed and some planes damaged. So Russian nukes are not a shield against Hostilities from
NATO and other enemies.. Russia will continue losing civilian planes ,its cities bombed by terror attacks and its military killed .consequences  of western sponsored -financed terrorism and color revolutions .

So if Sarmat really needed?  
Yes ,.. is an unfortunate need for Russia in order to earn a little more respect in the world.. to guarantee
that no sane President in US will dare to start an open war with Russia or at least not directly. But this does
not apply to mentally to sick leaders that are not sane and have zero morals and values.. Sometime ago , there
was a report on Russian Insider website ,that revealed how 2 Pentagon Generals/or war advisors.. were promoting
a nuclear first strike on Russia with everything they have. and their reasoning was that if they do it right.. that they
will destroy most of Russian military bases...and neutralize most nuclear arsenal and launchers,and so that the retaliation of Russia will be very disorganized and will be much weaker in comparison. and that it was worth of losing
10millions of americans lives and up to 40 millions (from 350millions citizens the have) if in the end they destroy Russia and win the nuclear war.   Hillary Clinton was neither sane.. as she was directly promoting war with Russia , neither Erdogan is sane.. IF you give nukes to ISIS or any lunatic Islamic Leader , then for them will not be unthinkable to start a nuclear war with Russia. Because in the end ,they want to die to meet their 72 goat virgins in heaven. So Russia nuclear arsenal , sarmats or not will not help much Russia from being nuclear attacked ,if the control of launching nukes is given to a lunatic ,unstable emotionally man.. like Erdogan, or North Korea Kim jon un.
That is if US is ruled ever by a clinton/Mcain psychopath or if they take the decision to nuclear arm ISIS or Erdogan and lure them to attack Russia.


All said Sarmat is an unfortunate need for Russia. It only reduce the chances of US direct attack on Russia with nukes..
but do not completely eliminates the risk. and neither helps in Indirect attacks from US on Russia ,as is happening
in Syria. Sarmat will allow Russia to launch Nukes from any global direction ,instead of a predictable path that will be the north of Russia ,where Americans have more defenses ,and Russia could for example launch a nuke towards SOuth pole ,bypassing American defense shield in Europe ,and attacking US territory from the south ,instead of north or east or west. So US satelites will not be able to track the missile entire flight path until is closer to US territory. So give them less time to counter it .

So Putin needs Sarmats..  to counter Putin mediocre leadership and its abysmal influence with the west.
As i told Garry ,that does not understand much of Policy , Russia needs to influence the west ,and only west,
whether they like them or not..because NATO is on the west ,and if Russia fails to Influence Americans And/or Europe,
then it will need Sarmat missiles and to spend a fortune on its military as is doing. Because Russia does not lead in the world in civilian business ,where it really matters in time of peace , then Russia have next to influence with the west.
Said in other words for the only thing europe needs Russia is for cheap discounts in Gas.. and for the only thing Americans needs Russia is for cheap rocket engines and taxi to ISS. but US dependence on Russia space tech will change very soon. So meaning the last influence Russia had with American will also be lost.

Putin's Russia have a massive ,influence problem in the world.. and influence /leadership issue.. Only rejected nations ,like IRAN ,Cuba and Venezuela and north korea follows Russia all the time. Not even Belarus is always on Russia side.
and we know what happened in Ukraine.. American/NATO influence over Ukraine of better salaries ,quality of life, better business ,was not match for Russia cheap gas discounts to them.

People likes to follow Leaders ,Winners, people or nations with success ,that lead the way into the future..
Putin's in the other hand ,since he came to power, all his focus have been to turn Russia into a Saudi Arabia of Asia
and with strong modern army and some presence in space.. and that it. So this is why he face Euromaidans in former soviet allied countries.. so easily. .US incited revolutions in Georgia, Ukraine , Moldova ,bulgaria ,former nations allied to Russia... with very ease.. and this is consequences of Putin's Shortsight policies in the world.

Putin's allows Americans to steal the show in everything ,even inside Russia ,his people prefer American technology
over Russian one..because of being inferior or for not having anything at all to compete. So by Putin by focusing in
Energy and now agriculture and Sports so much , Business that while make profits ,it does not help Russia at all ,
in their influence problem.. it does not help Russia to influence its European Allies to leave NATO . So Putin have been
allowing American modern innovative business to completely dominate in the world.. and use iphones and its technology as a weapon of influence... then he depends on American technology and leadership in the world.. offering no alternative and later he complains why no nation takes Russia seriously and that Russia is not respected in the world .    Even Obama gave a favor to Putin ,telling him what is Russia problem.. He told what does Russia make?
Of course he knew Russia have rockets and produce nukes.. and have tanks.. but his message was for the average civilian population in the world.. what does Russia makes ,that civilians can buy?  and the answer is NOTHING.
So Putin's vision of Russia is a nation without leadership and without influence in the world. that have a powerful army and wins all the sports medals.. but still have no influence in the business world. and this is from  where US power comes.. From its Influence of its business. Control Internet ,Control Bank system. Control technology ,etc etc etc..
so what is Putin doing to counter the massive influence of US Empire in the world. ?  NOTHING..  
nukes is an influence but in a negative way.. it encourage your enemies to find ways to counter you.
while if Russia was stealing the show in the world , Landing in Mars with humans and producing leading technology
not a refrigerator or a coffe machine .. but real innovative technology ,that takes the world in to the future.. (as it was the invention of internet and computers) then the story will have been different... and Americans will be forced to cooperate more with Russia if wants to have access to Russian innovative business.

Putin is a backward looking leader and he needs to drop the soviet past , almost every month a celebration of a victory of something their ancestors did.. and instead create a modern culture , inspired by modern innovative business. This is exactly what US,UK japan ,South Korea,TAIWAN,Germany and other technology superpowers are doing. Russia needs to imitate the good things the most developed nations are doing in business.and how the most developed nations ,use their business. As a tool of public influence.. as an example.. If Putin invested in Music industry ,not to
promote soviet songs but modern music ,and had success ,creating international recognized bands , that will have far more influence than a hundred of sarmat missiles. So Putin needs so much money to be spend in Nukes ,to counter his mediocre leadership and vision of Russia in the world. Is not more medals in good for nothing sports that Russia needs.
Is not more sochis or more FIFA or more victory parades.. Where Russia needs to win ,is in Civilian Business ,to defeat the most popular business the west have. This will help to disband NATO and get Europe closer to Russia and even change their liberal values too.  This is because Modern Innovative business today ,influence everything in people lives.
So Russia have an influence problem..and doesn't look Putin have an idea ,how he promotes the isolation of Russia and
its confrontation with the west. Americans have a system ,an empire in place and Russia offers no alternative to it..and later Putin have the face to complain ,when they are not taken seriously their interest. So Putin offers no alternative to the "American Business World" , and follows their business ,their internet and their banks , in other words ,plays their game under their rules.. and later complains the west is not fair with Russia.  Pure idiocy indeed.  
If Russia follows American system ,business ,banks, UN,WADA,IOC ,and use their technology then it can complain it don't like it or is unfair for them.  Russia face a leadership/influence problem problem , this is the core of all its confrontations with US.. the west only respect leadership and nothing else.  and this is why Russia have not been
banned its space program.. because is the only thing Americans respect from Russia,, because they need it.  

But Putin the Ignorant.. doubles down on sports promotions and olympics waste of money and in more military spending. while reducing its budget by half in space ,that is the only thing they had to influence US.  

Every nation , every human can be influenced.. and money alone is not an influence.
Look at QATAR.. is a very rich nation with a very high quality of life and all their cities looks
like designed for hosting an olympic. the average salary in Qatar is $130k a year.. according to
Obama own words . but still Qatar is seen as a primitive nation ,and their influence is very low..

and Putin only needs to understand what influence the west.
Material luxuries ,Freedom of expression and modern development and entertainment.
Not selling more potatoes and not energy , that is not an influence. it only boost economy but without influence.
Sports does not make people healthy either,. but to get lifetime injuries..for e-penis bragging. it even promote
xenophobhia.. the superiority of one race over another.

Russia needs nukes to counter the abysmal leadership of Putin and mediocre influence of Russia.
if Russia was landing in mars first with humans..and had more advanced and faster computers than the west
and Russia had a modern culture.. the US allies from NATO will be jumping ship already and seeking to join Russia business orbit. Everyone will always follows the ones that lead. and Russia does not lead in the things that really
matter for civilian population.. They don't care about Armata ,for what anyone here needs a tank? or a nuke? this is only need for war , when your nation influence failed . ,Civilians ,young generations prefer an an iphone instead ,prefers their internet , their hollywood movies or gaming , over anything Russia offer to them with their business.
which is ZERO.  Since Russia does not export anything for civilians in the west ,the ones Russia needs to influence if want to disband NATO , other than Cheap Gas..

So yes Russia needs Sarmats and to continue investing so much on its military..
But this is all consequence of Putin Abysmal leadership and ignorance ,on how to influence the west.
If Russia was a very influential nation ,and did not depended on energy its economy.. then Syria pipeline war will not be happening ,and neither Ukraine euromaidan will be happening. Since ukrainians will want to be closer to Russia and not to Europe. because again People follow leaders.. and not second best or losers.

The mass of the Sarmat intercontinental rocket exceeded 200 tons

MOSCOW, March 1 (Itar-Tass) - RIA Novosti. The mass of the newest Russian intercontinental rocket "Sarmat" exceeds 200 tons, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, delivering a message to the Federal Assembly.
"At a weight over 200 tons, it has a short active part of the flight, which makes it difficult to intercept the missile defense assets," the head of state said.

РИА Новости https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180301/1515530652.html




Opportunities of Sarmat allow to overcome missile defense, Putin said

MOSCOW, March 1 (Itar-Tass) - RIA Novosti. The new Sarmat missile system will be equipped with a wide range of high-power nuclear weapons, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message to the Federal Assembly.

"The range of the new heavy rocket, the number and power of its blocs is greater than that of Voevoda." Sarmat will be equipped with a wide range of high-power nuclear weapons, including hypersonic ones, and the most advanced missile defense systems, "Putin said.

РИА Новости https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180301/1515533935.html

New hypersonic Sarmat ICBM

Russia begins tests of promising Sarmat missile complex

The new missile system is capable of striking targets both via the North and the South Poles

MOSCOW, March 1. /TASS/. Russia has launched tests of new promising missile complex Sarmat, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during his annual State of the Nation Address.

"We have launched the development of the new generation of missiles, and, in particular, the Defense Ministry jointly with the missile and space industry launched the active phase of tests of a new missile complex equipped with a heavy intercontinental missile. We called it Sarmat," Putin said.

The Russian president demonstrated the lawmakers and the senators from both houses of the Russian parliament a video showing the main technical characteristics of the Sarmat missile complex, which in particular has an unlimited flight distance.

According to Putin, "this missile complex will replace the Voyevoda ICBM complex, which was designed in the times of the Soviet Union."
"Everyone has been always acknowledging its high combat potential and our foreign colleagues gave it a very threatening name, but the technical capabilities of the Sarmat system are much higher," the Russian president said and named some of the characteristics of the new missile system.

"With the total weight of over 200 tons it has a short active flight path, which complicates its intercept by ABM systems," he said. "The new heavy missile’s range, the number and yield of its warheads are greater compared to the Voyevoda missile."

Putin said that the Sarmat would be armed with a broad variety of nuclear warheads, including the supersonic ones, and would be equipped with the cutting-edge technologies of penetrating anti-missile systems.

"High protection characteristics of launching pads and enormous power efficiency will provide for the operation of this missile complex under any condition and in any situation," the president stated. "While the Voyevoda has a flight range of 11,000 kilometers, the new system has practically no distance limits."

The new missile system, Putin continued, "is capable of striking targets both via the North and the South Poles."

"The Sarmat is a very formidable weapon and due to its characteristics none of the perspective ABM systems pose an obstacle to it," Putin added.


More:
http://tass.com/defense/992191

GarryB wrote:No practical limit means its high energy main stage gets it into orbit so it can basically go right around the planet to hit any target you like from either direction...

So actually FOBS but not infringement treaty on orbital weapons