Putin announces plans to deploy nuclear-capable Sarmat missiles amid media reports of failed tests

In a video released by the Kremlin’s press service to mark Russia’s Defender of the Fatherland Day on Thursday, Vladimir Putin announced that the country’s nuclear-capable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missiles will be moved to combat readiness this year.

In addition, the president said Russia will continue mass production of Kinzhal hypersonic air-based systems and will start mass shipments of Zircon sea-based hypersonic missiles to the military, as well as adding three Borei-A nuclear submarines to its fleet in the coming years. He also said that Russian troops will also receive “new strike systems, surveillance and communication tools, drones, and artillery systems.”

According to CNN, on February 20, when U.S. President Joe Biden was visiting Kyiv, Russia conducted multiple unsuccessful tests of its Sarmat missiles.

Putin’s holiday saber-rattling comes just two days after he announced Russia would suspend its participation in the New START Treaty, the U.S. and Russia’s only remaining nuclear arms control agreement.