Sarmat tests unlikely to force Europe to drop its militarization strategy — expert

BANGKOK, May 13. /TASS/. The successful launch of Russia's new heavy liquid propellant intercontinental ballistic missile, the Sarmat, is unlikely to compel Europe to reconsider its militarization strategy, according to Thai political scientist Rom Phiramontri, who shared his opinion in an interview with TASS. "The testing of the Sarmat system marks a significant milestone on the international stage," Phiramontri stated. "While European military analysts have long been aware of the missile - known in the West as Satan-2 - the confirmed capabilities are striking. Its ability to strike through the South Pole effectively renders existing missile defense systems in Europe and the United States obsolete, as these defenses are primarily oriented northward." He further explained that Europe’s rearmament efforts and economic transition to wartime footing are protracted processes which are unlikely to be halted abruptly. "Western nations continue to view nuclear arsenals as tools that will never be employed, maintaining their focus on conventional and economic competition." Nevertheless, Phiramontri highlighted that the missile’s testing will bolster arguments among European countries advocating for swift peace negotiations. "For hawks within the EU, NATO, Britain, and Poland, Russia’s deployment of such weapons serves not as a reason to retreat but as a justification to enhance conventional forces and rely more heavily on the American nuclear umbrella," he added. On Tuesday, Russian Strategic Missile Forces commander Sergey Karakayev reported to President Vladimir Putin on the successful launch of the Sarmat missile. The Russian Armed Forces plan to deploy the first regiment equipped with this ICBM by year’s end. Putin emphasized that the Sarmat is the most powerful missile system in the world - four times more powerful than the most advanced Western counterparts - with a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers. Capable of following ballistic or suborbital trajectories, the missile can penetrate all current and foreseeable missile defense systems.