‘Most powerful’: What’s the Sarmat missile Russia has test-launched? | Military News
Russia Tests New Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Amid Ukraine Conflict
Russia has successfully conducted a test of its new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its nuclear forces. President Vladimir Putin praised the launch, coinciding with his recent assertion that the conflict in Ukraine may be approaching a conclusion.
Putin characterized the Sarmat missile, also referred to as “Satan II” in Western discourse, as “the most powerful missile in the world.” He claimed that its combination of individually targeted warheads possesses more than four times the combined power of any existing Western missile.
The Sarmat, which is set to enter combat service by year-end, is designed to replace the aging Soviet-era Voyevoda missile system. According to Putin, the missile boasts a maximum range exceeding 35,000 kilometers (approximately 21,750 miles) and is capable of evading all current and future missile defense systems. However, Western analysts have estimated its effective range to be around 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles).
Development of the Sarmat has been underway since 2011, and the system will ultimately substitute approximately 40 Soviet-built Voyevoda missiles. A previous test in September 2024 reportedly resulted in a significant failure.
During Tuesday’s announcement, Putin emphasized that the Sarmat equals the Voyevoda in power but offers greater precision. The missile can carry a maximum payload of 10 tonnes and measures 35.3 meters (116 feet) in length, with a diameter of 3 meters (9.8 feet) and a weight of 208.1 tonnes.
Experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that the Sarmat accelerates quickly and extinguishes its engines sooner than conventional ICBMs, which could limit the effectiveness of missile defense systems.
In addition to the Sarmat, Russia has introduced several other advanced weaponry, including the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, which can travel 27 times faster than sound. The nation has also deployed the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, which is nuclear-capable and has been used in strikes against Ukraine.
The unveiling of new weaponry comes as Putin responds to the missile defense initiatives of the United States, particularly following its withdrawal from a Cold War-era arms control agreement in 2001. Recent reports indicate that a new U.S. missile defense system, termed “Golden Dome,” is projected to cost $1.2 trillion over two decades.
At the same time, ongoing hostilities in Ukraine have continued to escalate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a recent strike on gas facilities in Russia’s Orenburg region, emphasizing a reciprocal response to Russian attacks.
Putin suggested that the longstanding war in Ukraine, which began over four years ago, may be nearing its conclusion. The Kremlin echoed this sentiment, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noting that progress in talks with both the U.S. and Ukraine could potentially expedite an end to the conflict, though specifics remain unclear.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has frequently highlighted the strength of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, a move perceived by Western leaders as a deterrent against potential intervention.
