Russia tests Sarmat ICBM, claims unprecedented range and payload

On May 12, Russia conducted a successful test launch of the RS‑28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile. President Vladimir Putin declared the missile the most powerful in the world, saying it can strike any point on Earth, carries a payload up to four times larger than Western ICBMs, and can penetrate all current and future missile‑defence systems. He added that the missile, with a claimed range exceeding 35,000 km, will be placed into combat service by the end of the year.

Western analysts expressed skepticism, noting that independent estimates put the missile’s range around 18,000 km—still sufficient to reach the United States from Russia—and that its payload capacity is about 10 tonnes, allowing up to ten large warheads or multiple smaller ones. The Sarmat, developed to replace the older SS‑18 “Satan” system, has faced repeated delays and a failed test in September 2024 before this latest launch.

The test underscores Russia’s effort to modernise its strategic nuclear forces and serves as a signal to the United States and NATO about its deterrence capabilities, while prompting renewed discussion in the West about the effectiveness of existing missile‑defence architectures.