Russia’s Next Gen ICBM Can ‘Pierce’ US Defence Systems

Russia is preparing a test-launch of its new generation nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) called the RS-28, which the country has claimed, is powerful enough to penetrate the defensive shield of the United States.

According to Sputnik, the test, which has been postponed several times, will be carried out before the end of the year at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome located in north-west Russia.

The RS-28 Sarmat is a 100-plus-ton ICBM designed to evade missile defences with multiple hypersonic warheads, known as MIRVs.

Government controlled media claims that the weapon could destroy an area equivalent to the size of Texas, and has the ability to “speed past every missile defence system in existence.”

Speaking of its other capabilities, the weapon comes with a range of 11,000km and also a payload of up to 15 warheads.

Local news agency, RIA Novosti said that individual warheads could have yields up to 750kt and the RS-28 launch silos would be able to withstand seven nuclear strikes.

However, outside sources have casted their doubts on some of the weapon’s ‘too good to be true’ specifications.

Russia is expecting the RS-28 to enter service in the upcoming 10 years as part of its ongoing nuclear modernisation plan.

Reports of the planned tests emerged after US President Donald Trump called for a “total rehabilitation” of America’s nuclear forces.

He denied reports saying that he was seeking a 10-fold increase in the US’ arsenal, and stating that he wanted “modernisation” instead.

The US and Russia had signed the New START treaty back in 2010, which mandated a significant reduction in deployed strategic nuclear weapons.

Earlier this year, the US military carried out a successful test of its ground-based missile interception system, called THAAD due to the ongoing and growing tension with North Korea.

Pyongyang, on the other hand, also claimed that it now possesses ballistic missiles that are capable of targeting the US mainland.

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