RS-28 Sarmat
Summary
Russian heavy ICBM (SS-29 Satan II), replacing R-36M2. First successful flight test April 2022, combat operational September 2023, test failure November 2024, second successful test May 2026.
Overview
The RS-28 Sarmat (designated by NATO as the SS-29 Satan II) is a Russian liquid-fueled, super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau to replace the aging R-36M2 Voyevoda systems. Designed to bypass contemporary missile defense architectures, the platform features a substantial throw-weight capable of deploying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) as well as hypersonic glide payloads such as the Avangard HGV. The development timeline has been marked by high-profile milestones and technical evaluations: its first successful flight test took place in April 2022, leading to an official declaration of combat readiness in September 2023. Subsequent assessments recorded a notable test failure in November 2024, followed by a reported successful flight test in May 2026. The missile represents the apex of conventional Russian strategic rocket modernization, distinct from, yet technologically complementary to, the broader Russian aerospace infrastructure detailed across our Network Graph. Its strategic deployment provides heavy-lift capability essential for delivering modern countermeasures through contested aerospace sectors.
Significance
Within the classified aerospace and defense analysis ecosystem, the RS-28 Sarmat occupies a critical position as Russia's core strategic deterrence mechanism. The heavy-lift architecture of the Sarmat is engineered specifically to interface with advanced aerodynamic systems, notably accommodating the Avangard HGV, which generates a distinct ionization sheath during atmospheric transit at Mach 20-27. This high-altitude regime intersects conceptually with historic Soviet and Russian aerospace defense projects, such as the Avramenko Plasmoid ABM systems revealed during the 1993: Avramenko plasmoid ABM system revealed period. Furthermore, the industrial and scientific institutions supporting the Sarmat's propulsion and materials engineering share institutional overlap with high-energy density physics labs connected to the Russian FRC Program (TRINITI). By integrating massive payload capacity with fractional orbital bombardment capabilities and non-standard trajectory profiles, the RS-28 serves as the primary deployment vector intended to neutralize theoretical anti-ballistic missile complexes, profoundly shifting global strategic parity models.
Related Entities (6)
Strategic Missile Forces
Votkinsk Plant
Moscow Inst Thermal Tech
Avangard Hypersonic
Sarmat Test Failure
Sarmat Second Test
Network Graph
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View in Network GraphTimeline Mentions (3)
Sarmat ICBM Declared Combat Operational
RS-28 Sarmat (SS-29 Satan II) heavy ICBM declared combat operational. Replaces R-36M2 Voevoda. Capable of carrying Avangard HGV warheads. First successful flight test was April 2022.
MILITARYSarmat Test Failure — Silo Detonation
RS-28 Sarmat test failure at Plesetsk — silo detonation destroyed the test silo. Set back the Sarmat program and raised questions about Russian ICBM reliability.
MILITARYSarmat Second Successful Test
RS-28 Sarmat second confirmed successful test. First regiment planned end 2026 at 62nd Missile Division Uzhur. Recovery from November 2024 silo failure.
MILITARYGlossary Definition
A Russian heavy, liquid-fueled, super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (NATO: SS-29 Satan II) designed to carry MIRVs and hypersonic glide vehicles.
Category: Weapons View in Glossary →Research References
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