The Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army of China successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean as part of its routine training operations. The Chinese Ministry of Defense emphasized that this test adhered to international law and was not aimed at any specific nation.
In contrast, Russia's new heavy intercontinental missile Sarmat, also known as 'Satan 2,' recently suffered a significant failure during a test launch, which exploded before it could be fired. This incident raises concerns about the reliability of Russia's nuclear deterrence capabilities as it attempts to develop this crucial missile system.
The Sarmat program has faced multiple setbacks, with this being the third failure out of four tests, prompting speculation about the future of Russia's nuclear strategy and the potential need for extensive reworking of the program.
Despite the setbacks with the Sarmat, experts suggest that Russia's existing nuclear deterrence remains intact, relying on other operational missiles like the Yars and Topol-M, along with advancements in its naval and aerial nuclear capabilities.
- The Chinese missile test is reported to be part of a broader annual training plan, reflecting China's ongoing commitment to enhancing its military capabilities amid rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Russia's Sarmat missile, intended to replace the aging Satan 1, is critical for its nuclear posture, but the recent failures could delay its deployment and impact the country's long-term strategic goals.
- Analysts indicate that while the failure of the Sarmat poses challenges for Russia, its nuclear deterrent is not currently compromised due to other operational missile systems in place.
