Russia has tested an array of new strategic nuclear weapons that can’t be intercepted, the country’s President Vladimir Putin announced Thursday, marking a technological breakthrough that would dramatically increase Russia’s military capability and boost the Kremlin’s global position.
Speaking in a state-of-the-nation speech, Putin said the weapons include a nuclear-powered cruise missile, a nuclear-powered underwater drone and new hyper-sonic missile. He said the creation of the new weapons has made NATO’s US-led missile defense “useless,” and means an effective end to what he described as Western efforts to stymie Russia’s development.
“I want to tell all those who have fueled the arms race over the last 15 years, sought to win unilateral advantages over Russia, introduced unlawful sanctions aimed to contain our country’s development: all what you wanted to impede with your policies have already happened,” he said. “You have failed to contain Russia.”
The announcement comes as Putin is set to easily win another six-year presidential term in the March 18 election.
He said that the nuclear-powered cruise missile tested last fall has an unlimited range and high speed and maneuverability allowing it to pierce any missile defense.
The Russian leader said the high-speed underwater drone also has an “intercontinental” range and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead that could target both aircraft carriers and coastal facilities. He said its operational depth and high speed would make it immune to enemy intercept.
He added to applause that names for the nuclear-powered cruise missile and the drone haven’t yet been chosen, and suggested that the Defense Ministry run a nationwide contest for the best names.
Russia has tested a new generation of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the US, Vladimir Putin said on Thursday.
The Russian president accompanied his announcement with a computer-generated video which showed the missiles arcing towards the US on a map of the world.
Alec Luhn, The Telegraph's Russia correspondent, tweeted images of the video, which was displayed behind Putin while he made his address, effectively Russia's "State of the Union," to the Federal Assembly in Moscow.
Putin said the new range of nuclear weapons would "neutralise" US missile defence, Luhn reported.
"Russia remained a nuclear power, but no one wanted to listen to us. Listen to us now," Putin reportedly said.
The Associated Press gave more detail on the weapons he described. It said they include "a nuclear-powered cruise missile and a nuclear-powered underwater drone, that would be immune to enemy intercept."
Putin said the cruise missile was tested last fall and is immune to any missile defense.
He said the high-speed underwater can carry a nuclear warhead, and can hitt both aircraft carriers and coastal facilities.
He said that Russia also tested a new heavy intercontinental ballistic missile, called Sarmat, with a range and number of warheads exceeding its predecessor.
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