Russia's RS-28 Sarmat ICBM plagued by chronic production and logistics setbacks

Leaked documents reviewed by Dallas Analytics show that Russia’s RS‑28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile has suffered ongoing production and supply‑chain problems, contradicting Kremlin statements that the system is ready for service.

Multiple deadlines—end‑2022, September 2023, and May 2024—have been missed. Logistic failures include a shortage of rail cars to transport nose‑cone components to the 62nd missile division in the Krasnoyarsk region and shipments arriving without required technical documentation.

Financial irregularities are also noted, with parts delivered before prices were fixed and negotiations continuing years after shipment, indicating that serial production is limited.

Analysts say the Kremlin continues to promote the missile as a psychological deterrent toward the West rather than a deployable weapon.