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Russia's Satan II Missile Test Ends in Failure

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Sarmat RS-28, Russia's Satan II, failed during a recent test and crashed back to earth after launch from the Yasny site.
The incident follows a history of failures, including a 2024 explosion that destroyed a missile silo.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has touted the missile's capabilities, but analysts question its reliability.
The failure raises doubts about Russia's nuclear deterrent as aging R-36M2 missiles retire without a dependable replacement.

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Story summary

The Sarmat RS-28, Russia's Satan II, failed during a recent test and crashed back to earth after launch from the Yasny site.
The incident follows a history of failures, including a 2024 explosion that destroyed a missile silo.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has touted the missile's capabilities, but analysts question its reliability.
The failure raises doubts about Russia's nuclear deterrent as aging R-36M2 missiles retire without a dependable replacement.