Russia Tests 'World's Most Powerful' Sarmat Missile

Russia has test-launched the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, which President Vladimir Putin called "the most powerful missile in the world." The nuclear-armed missile is designed to replace the older Soviet-built Voyevoda and is scheduled to enter combat service by the end of the year. Putin claimed the Sarmat has a maximum range exceeding 35,000 kilometers and can penetrate all existing and future missile defense systems. However, Western analysts estimate its actual range is closer to 18,000 kilometers.

The missile development began in 2011, and one test in September 2024 reportedly ended in a massive explosion. The Sarmat is 35.3 meters long, weighs 208.1 tonnes, and can carry a 10-tonne payload. Putin stated it reaches high speeds quickly and stops burning its engines sooner than traditional missiles, making it harder for defense systems to detect and intercept. The missile is also capable of suborbital flight.

The test launch occurred shortly after Putin suggested the war in Ukraine was nearing an end. The Kremlin reiterated this claim, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that progress in talks with the US and Ukraine would soon bring the conflict to a close. Meanwhile, Ukraine struck gas facilities in Russia's Orenburg region, more than 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, as part of its strategy to target Russia's energy infrastructure.

Putin has unveiled several new weapons systems, including the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle and the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile. He described these developments as Russia's response to Washington's missile defense plans. The US Congressional Budget Office estimated that Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system would cost $1.2 trillion over 20 years. Russian military planners fear such a shield could encourage a first strike against Moscow's nuclear arsenal.