Russia has once again resorted to one of its classic Cold War strategies: announcing an intercontinental missile as the ultimate weapon capable of breaking through any defense. Vladimir Putin confirmed that the RS-28 Sarmat, known to NATO as Satan II, will be operationally deployed by the end of 2026 following a successful test that included the dissemination of images.
Moscow does not present it as just another missile, but as the most powerful missile system in the world, specifically designed to evade missile defense shields. The message aims to instill in the West the idea that, even with the best defensive technology, Russia retains the capability to guarantee a devastating nuclear response.
The Sarmat combines ballistic and suborbital trajectories, with a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers. According to Russian authorities, it can carry multiple nuclear warheads and maneuverable hypersonic vehicles like the Avangard, allowing it to saturate or confuse defense systems.
This insistence on its invulnerability is not coincidental. It is part of a broader narrative aimed at reinforcing deterrence through fear.
History of Delays and Technical Problems
However, the path of the Sarmat has not been straightforward. The program has accumulated years of delays: it was supposed to enter service in 2020, but faced failed tests and even the destruction of a test silo in 2024. These setbacks reflect both technological challenges and the impact of international sanctions and pressure on the Russian military industry following the invasion of Ukraine.
