Nuclear forces test Sarmat missile from Plesetsk
“It is the most powerful missile system in the world,” Vladimir Putin said after receiving confirmation that the missile had struck its designated target at the Kura test range on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East.
The test-launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Arkhangelsk region took place at 11:15 Moscow time on Tuesday, according to the Kremlin. Around half an hour later, officials confirmed that the missile had hit its target at the Kura test range.
The Commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, Sergei Karakayev, informed Putin of the successful test. Putin monitored the launch via video link from his office bunker.
He then called it a "major event and unconditional success."
There are no independent reports confirming the claimed success.
The RS-28 Sarmat — referred to by NATO as “Satan II” — is Russia’s new heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), developed to replace the Soviet-era R-36 system.
The missile attracted global attention in 2018 when Putin presented it during a major address unveiling several new strategic weapons systems.
The first successful test launch from Plesetsk took place in 2022. A test launch in February 2023 failed. Also a test in September 2024 was reported unsuccessful.
Russian officials have claimed that the missile has an extremely long range and can approach targets along unconventional flight paths, including routes over the South Pole.
Putin said Russia will deploy the weapon later in 2026.
"The positive results of the Sarmat missile system launch will allow us to deploy the first missile regiment armed with this missile system to combat duty in the Uzhur formation of Krasnoyarsk Krai by the end of this year."
The Uzhur missile formation belongs to the 62nd Rocket Division in Siberia.
The last nuclear weapons' control agreement, known as the New START Treaty, expired on February 5th this year, sparking fear that the world could enter a new arms race.
