Russia’s Sarmat strategic missile system surpasses its predecessor, the R-36M, known to NATO as Satan, across several key performance indicators, according to military analyst and air defense historian Yuri Knutov.

The expert said the newer missile offers improvements in all major characteristics, including targeting accuracy and throw weight. However, he identified its significantly shorter boost phase as the most important advantage over the older system.

Knutov explained that the initial acceleration stage is particularly vulnerable for ballistic missiles because they have not yet reached their maximum speed, making them easier to intercept.

According to the analyst, reducing the duration of this phase substantially complicates the task facing enemy missile defense systems, giving Sarmat a critical advantage.

Knutov described the Russian missile system as a superweapon, claiming that no other country currently possesses a comparable system.

The military expert also emphasized that both Sarmat and the R-36M deserve their reputation as doomsday weapons. In his assessment, Russia’s possession of such strategic missile systems serves as a powerful warning to potential adversaries.

Knutov argued that any attempt to threaten or attack Russia could trigger a devastating response. He warned that the scale of retaliation could be so severe that entire countries might cease to exist.

His assessment highlights the role he assigns to Russia’s strategic missile arsenal as both a military capability and a deterrent against potential threats.