- Vladimir Putin claims Russia has nuclear weapons ‘immune to interception’
- Russian president said new arsenal include a high-speed cruise missile
- He said it has unlimited range and is able to penetrate any missile defence
President Vladimir Putin said Russia has tested an array of new nuclear weapon ‘invulnerable to enemy interception’.
The Russian president said the weapons include a nuclear-powered cruise missile and an underwater drone.
Giving his annual state of the nation address in Manezh in Moscow, Putin said the high-speed cruise missile is capable of penetrating any missile defence.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he gives his annual state of the nation address in Manezh in Moscow, Russia
Addressing Russian lawmakers, Putin said the cruise missile, which was tested at the end of last year, is able to reach almost any point in the world.
Bragging that Russia has now developed missiles ‘that no other country possess’, he added that the high-speed underwater drone is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead which could target both aircraft carriers and coastal facilities.
Mr Putin also said Russia has tested a new heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), called Sarmat, with a range and a number of warheads exceeding the capabilities of its predecessor.
During the speech, Putin also said Moscow’s operation in Syria had showed Russia’s increased capabilities in defence sector.
The televised speech was timed to closely precede the March 18 election, in which Putin is set to easily win a fourth term.
The Russian leader’s approval ratings top 80 per cent despite an economic slowdown caused by continuing tensions with the West and a drop in global oil prices.
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