MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - Active tests of the new Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) have begun in Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"The Defense Ministry in cooperation with rocket and space industry enterprises has now begun the active stage of tests of the new missile system with a heavy intercontinental rocket. We have called it Sarmat," Putin said in his address to the Federal Assembly.
"This missile system will replace the Voyevoda system, which was created back in the Soviet Union. Russia has always recognized its combat power. Our foreign colleagues, as you know, even have it a very threatening name [Satan]," Putin said.
The Sarmat will have higher capabilities than the Voyevoda, Putin said.