A Russian test of the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), known as Satan II in NATO terminology, has reportedly ended in a catastrophic failure.
Putin's Vision of Nuclear Superiority
Ukrainian sources report that satellite imagery from the Plesetsk launch site in northwestern Russia shows significant damage, suggesting a powerful explosion occurred during the test.
The Sarmat missile is a cornerstone of Russian President Vladimir Putin's vision of nuclear superiority, according to Digi24.
Capable of carrying multiple warheads, both nuclear and conventional, it boasts a range between 10,000 and 18,000 kilometers and can deliver up to 10 tons of payload. However, the recent failure has raised serious concerns about the reliability of this advanced missile system.
Detonated in Silo
An open-source intelligence (OSINT) analyst, sharing images on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the explosion at the missile silo.
The test failure left a large crater, suggesting that the missile detonated in its silo rather than launching successfully.
"Sarmat is a liquid-fueled missile, and the explosion may have occurred separately from the actual launch attempt," the analyst noted.
This marks the fourth reported failure in tests of the Sarmat missile, casting doubts over the system's readiness and dependability. The satellite imagery has since gone viral, with before-and-after comparisons clearly showing the extensive damage at the launch site.
While the Russian government has yet to officially confirm the failure, experts are closely monitoring developments. The repeated setbacks in the Sarmat program could signal challenges for Russia as it seeks to modernize its nuclear arsenal.
