Russia completes successful test of Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile

On May 12, Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces reported a successful test of the RS‑28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. Commander Sergei Karakayev said the missile met all technical specifications, confirming its flight, warhead, launch and safety parameters.

President Vladimir Putin praised the launch, describing the system as the most powerful weapon in the world and claiming it has a range of over 35,000 km, can follow a sub‑orbital trajectory and is capable of evading current and future anti‑missile defenses. The ground‑based system, first launched on April 20, 2022, is expected to be deployed by the end of the year, strengthening Russia’s strategic nuclear forces.

The test underscores Moscow’s effort to maintain a strategic balance after the United States withdrew from the Anti‑Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002, according to Russian officials.