Russia Tests RS-28 Sarmat ICBM, Claiming World’s Most Powerful Missile

On 12 May 2026, Russia launched the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. State television showed Colonel General Sergei Karakayev, commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, reporting a “successful” launch to President Vladimir Putin via video link. The Kremlin announced that the test concluded the missile’s development cycle and that the system will be placed on combat duty by the end of 2026.

Putin Claims Successful Test of ‘Doomsday’ Sarmat MissilePutin confirms Sarmat ICBM test success, eyes 2026 combat deploymentCNNMost powerful missile system in the world: Putin hails "successful test" of Sarmat missileWCMU - NPR - Mount PleasantRussia completes test of Satan II (Sarmat) missile — Diário CariocaPutin Hails Russia’s Most Powerful Missile TestAl Jazeera (website)

The Sarmat program began in 2011 to replace the Soviet-era SS-18 “Voyevoda” ICBM. Originally slated for service in 2020, the project experienced multiple setbacks, including a silo explosion in September 2024 and a failed flight in November 2025. The missile is silo-based, liquid-fuelled, 35.3 m long, 3 m in diameter, and weighs 208 t. It is designed to carry up to 16 independently targetable warheads with a total payload of roughly 10 t.

Russia test-fires Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile with 35,000 kilometres range

• Vladimir Putin – President of Russia, who announced the test and the missile’s capabilities.

Putin Praises Russia’s Test Launch of New Ballistic Missile, Calls It World’s Most Powerful

• Sergei Karakayev – Commander of the Strategic Missile Forces, who confirmed the launch’s success.

Putin confirms Sarmat ICBM test success, eyes 2026 combat deployment

• Dmitry Peskov – Kremlin spokesman, who said Russia had notified the United States and other states before the test.

Putin Claims Successful Test of ‘Doomsday’ Sarmat Missile

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – Provided context on ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy sites.

Al Jazeera (website)

• Range claimed by Putin: > 35,000 km, enabling sub-orbital trajectories.

CNN

• Western analyst estimate: ? 18,000 km.

Russia completes test of Satan II (Sarmat) missile — Diário Carioca

• Warhead capacity: Up to 16 MIRVs, with a combined yield “more than four times greater than any existing Western counterpart.”

Russia test-fires Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile with 35,000 kilometres range

• Throw-weight: ? 10 t.

Russia test-fires Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile with 35,000 kilometres range

• Russia’s nuclear stockpile: > 5,500 warheads (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons); U.S. stockpile ? 5,000 warheads (ICAN).

CNN

The test follows the expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026, removing the last bilateral limits on strategic nuclear arsenals. Russian officials present the Sarmat as a deterrent against U.S. missile-defence systems, arguing that its speed, sub-orbital flight, and MIRV capability reduce interception chances. The launch coincided with a scaled-down Victory Day parade, reflecting heightened security concerns after Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities.

Putin Hails Russia’s Most Powerful Missile Test

The Kremlin emphasized that the Sarmat enhances Russia’s strategic deterrence and that the test demonstrates “unconditional success.” Peskov noted prior notification to the United States and other nations, framing the launch as a routine step in modernising the nuclear triad. Russian officials also linked the missile’s deployment to countering perceived U.S. missile-shield expansions.

Russia test-fires Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile with 35,000 kilometres range

Analysts from the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance and the Center for Strategic and International Studies question the claimed 35,000 km range, suggesting a more realistic 18,000 km figure. The Russian telegram channel Astra highlighted Putin’s repeated assertions about imminent readiness since 2021, implying possible overstatement. Western security experts warn that the Sarmat’s capabilities could intensify the nuclear arms race and undermine strategic stability.

CNN

• Range: Putin’s > 35,000 km claim vs. Western estimates of ~18,000 km.

Al Jazeera (website)

• Deployment timeline: Putin cites “end of the year” (2026), while some reports mention “by the end of 2026” without a precise month.

Putin says Russia tests new Sarmat missile, calls it world's most powerful

• Test record: Sources differ on the number of successful prior tests; some cite only one, others note multiple failures.

Russia completes test of Satan II (Sarmat) missile — Diário Carioca

• “This is the most powerful missile in the world,” — Vladimir Putin, President of Russia

Al Jazeera (website)

• “The combined yield of the payload is more than four times greater than that of any existing Western counterpart,” — Vladimir Putin

CNN

• “penetrate all existing and future antimissile defence systems” — Vladimir Putin

Al Jazeera (website)

• “The launch was successful,” — Sergei Karakayev, Commander of the Strategic Missile Forces

Putin Claims Successful Test of ‘Doomsday’ Sarmat Missile

• “We were forced to consider ensuring our strategic security in the face of the new reality and the need to maintain a strategic balance of power and parity,” — Vladimir Putin

Al Jazeera (website)

Russia plans to field the RS-28 Sarmat with its first regiment by the end of 2026. Parallel efforts include deploying the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, the Oreshnik intermediate-range missile, and advancing the Poseidon underwater drone and Burevestnik cruise missile. International dialogues on arms-control limits remain stalled, suggesting continued scrutiny of Russia’s expanding strategic capabilities.

WCMU - NPR - Mount Pleasant