Russia has officially placed its formidable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system, often referred to as “Satan II,” on combat duty, according to Yuri Borisov, the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos. This announcement carries significant implications, as the Sarmat missile system is renowned for its exceptional range and capabilities.
President Putin had previously described the Sarmat as capable of striking “any target on Earth,” solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s longest-range missiles. It falls under the “superheavy” missiles category and possesses a unique initial boost phase that makes it challenging to intercept with conventional anti-missile defense systems. Its impressive weight, over 200 tons, far exceeds that of its foreign counterparts.
One of the most striking features of the Sarmat is its capacity to carry around 15 warheads, each with a potential yield of up to 750 kilotons, dwarfing the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. This destructive capability makes it capable of devastating a large country like France. Additionally, the Sarmat has the capability to carry hypersonic missiles, rendering most missile defense systems ineffective.
Development of the Sarmat began in 2009, and it has undergone several years of testing, including some potentially failed test flights. Putin has proudly claimed that this missile system has no equal globally and is virtually impervious to modern anti-missile defenses.
The timing of this announcement is notable, coming amidst escalating nuclear rhetoric related to the Ukraine conflict. Moscow’s recent positioning of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has added to the tension. Putin’s message underscores the importance of the Sarmat in enhancing Russia’s security and military capabilities.