The Russian Ministry of Defense yesterday announced the launch of an ICBM from the Kapustin Yar test range: “The purpose of the launch was to test promising combat equipment for intercontinental ballistic missiles. The launch proved the efficiency of the design and technical solutions used in the new strategic missile systems. The missile warhead engaged a target at the Sary Shagan firing range (in Kazakhstan, 2,000 km away—ed.). The objectives of the launch were fully reached.” The Ministry’s statement did not identify the type of missile launched nor what missile the combat equipment was being tested for, but it’s likely for the new Sarmat heavy ICBM, one of the features of which is that it will be able to outflank US anti-missile systems.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov assured reporters, however, that Moscow provided the necessary notifications prior to the launch. “All notifications of launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles or ballistic missiles from submarines are being duly provided as usual,” he said, reported TASS.
