Russia tested a missile last week that some claim could be a new variety of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with nuclear capabilities that can evade detection by NATO.
The test, which was carried out last Friday, saw the successful launch of the missile in southern Russia at the Kapustin Yar complex. A statement indicated the test confirmed the “high reliability of Russian missiles to ensure strategic security” and achieved its results “in full.”
Russia routinely conducts test launches of many of its missiles. However, the fact that they declined to name the type of missile that was tested on this occasion has spurred a lot of speculation and fears that the country could be poised to escalate the Ukraine conflict and potentially lead to a third world war.
Russian military commentator Colonel Viktor Baranets wrote that the missile was reported to have “waltzed” in the sky and left behind unique smoke trails. He said that many experts think it is a new mobile rendition of Russia’s Yars ICBM and that “all NATO intelligence services are on their toes” after the test. If so, it would mark a significant advancement over their existing Yars, which must be loaded into a silo so they can be launched. This makes them attractive targets for enemies.
He also noted that Russia’s enemies could have a hard time detecting the weapon and that missile detection systems could struggle to understand its flight logic and predict its trajectory.
The tests come at a time when Russia’s relationship with NATO is becoming increasingly contentious and Russia is gaining more of an edge in Ukraine as the West starts to reduce its military support for Kiev.
Putin may be seeking to take advantage of rising Middle East tensions
Defense industry consultant and analyst Nicholas Drummond recently warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be looking to use weapons of mass destruction in Ukraine while the West is distracted by the conflict between Israel and Iran. He believes Russia will be “delighted” by the recent turn of events.
He posted on X: "The question is what will Iran do next? And how will Israel respond? We are on the brink of a major conflict in the Middle East.
"This will delight Putin as he seeks to annex Ukraine in its entirety. It is more than likely that Russia is planning to step-up its activities in Ukraine. He may even be looking for an excuse to use WMD. Unless Ukraine is given the resources to repel a renewed Russian onslaught, more territory will be lost. Quite independently of what happens in Ukraine, Putin is everyone’s problem.”
Russia has been quietly supplying Iran with anti-aircraft launchers, drones and other artillery as the situation in the Middle East escalates. Moscow has promised to support Iran with advanced fighter jets and air defensive technology as it faces potential counter strikes from Israel following its intercepted attack on Tel Aviv involving hundreds of drones last weekend. Iran has reportedly shown particular interest in Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft launchers, which have the power to detect and destroy Israeli and American stealth fighter jets.
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