Putin Says Sarmat ICBM Missiles Make Other Countries Uneasy, But The Pentagon Says It's Not A Threat

President Vladimir Putin (Photo via Kremlin)

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the successful test launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) made other countries nervous. But for the Pentagon, the Sarmat ICBM is not a threat.

Russia for the first time announced the test launch of the long-awaited Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for its nuclear arsenal, capable of making Moscow's enemies stop and think according to President Vladimir Putin.

President Putin Putin online heeded military notices that missiles were launched from Plesetsk in the country's northwest and hit targets on the Kamchatka peninsula in the far east.

Sarmat has been in development for years and its test launches were not a surprise to the West. But this launch comes at a time of extreme geopolitical tension over the war in Ukraine.

"This new system has the highest tactical and technical characteristics and is capable of overcoming all modern anti-missile defense means," President Putin was quoted as saying on the Kremlin's official website.

"This truly unique weapon will strengthen the combat potential of our armed forces, ensure the security of Russia from external threats and provide food for thought for those who, in the heat of frenzied aggressive rhetoric, try to threaten our country," Putin said.

Pentagon's attitude

The test of a new nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile is not seen as a threat to the United States and its allies, the Pentagon said.

Moscow has already notified Washington of the test as part of its obligations under the 2011 New START treaty, which limits the two countries' nuclear weapons.

"The testing is routine, and that's not surprising," said Defense Department spokesman John Kirby, cited from The Defense Post, Thursday, April 21.

The Pentagon also does not view the test as a threat to the United States or its allies.

"Of course, the department remains focused on Russia's unlawful and unwarranted aggression against Ukraine," Kirby added.