The Russian missile RS-28 Sarmat is the most powerful weapon of its kind capable of bypassing any missile defenses, President Vladimir Putin has said.

The Russian military has successfully test-fired the advanced RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, the commander of the Strategic Missile Troops, General Sergey Karakaev, has reported to President Vladimir Putin.

The development would allow the military to equip the first missile regiment with the new weapon systems by the end of this year.

The liquid-fueled heavy RS-28 Sarmat is designed to replace the world’s most powerful silo-based missile, the RS-20V Voevoda (SS-18 Satan according to NATO classification).

It is believed to be able to carry up to ten heavy warheads with multiple re-entry capability.

According to Karakaev, the new missile system demonstrated capabilities exceeding those of its predecessor, primarily in terms of its range and payload.

Its onboard systems also allow it to securely penetrate the existing and emerging missile defense systems.

Putin congratulated the military on the successful test, calling Sarmat ’the most powerful missile system in the world.’ 

According to the president, it is capable of delivering a payload four times bigger than that of any Western missile. It also has a range of over 35,000 kilometers and is twice as precise as its predecessor, he added.

The missile is reportedly compatible with the hypersonic glider used in another Russian missile system called Avangard.

This type of warhead can approach targets in the atmosphere at high speeds while retaining manoeuvrability to dodge anti-ballistic missile (ABM) systems.

The Russian military has previously stated that the Sarmat’s range allows it to be fired from Russia at targets in the US via the South Pole, avoiding the American ABM site in Alaska.

According to Putin, Moscow launched its missile development program focused on bypassing and missile defenses following the US unilateral withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty in 2022 under George W. Bush.

‘We were forced to think about ensuring our strategic security in a new reality,’ the president said, adding that Moscow’s actions were aimed at ’preserving the strategic balance of power.’

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