For decades, Russia has attempted to build the world’s largest nuclear arsenal. That endeavor continues well into this day, with the nation developing a formidable replacement of the Soviet-era R-36M. Officially known as the RS-28 Sarmat and nicknamed the “Satan II” by Western powers, the intercontinental ballistic missile has been called one of the deadliest in the world.
Replacing the R-36M intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
The R-36M, better known by its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) designation as the “SS-18 Satan,” was a cornerstone of Soviet – and, later, Russian – strategic deterrence since its inception in the 1970s. This intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was developed during the Cold War, to provide the Soviet Union with a nuclear deterrent against the United States and its allies.
With a length of 32.2 meters and a launch weight of more than 231 tons, the R-36M was capable of delivering multiple warheads across a range of over 9,900 miles. Its ability to carry up to 10 independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) made it a major threat, earning the weapon it’s ominous “Satan” nickname.
Over the decades, the R-36M has undergone several upgrades to enhance its accuracy and payload capacity. Despite this, its age and the advancement of global missile defense systems have prompted Russia to seek a replacement. The RS-28 Sarmat was conceived as a formidable replacement, to ensure Russia’s strategic missile forces remain a deterrent against evolving threats by modernizing the nation’s nuclear arsenal.
Developing the RS-28 Sarmat
The development of the RS-28 Sarmat began in the early 2000s. The goal was to create a missile that could penetrate advanced missile defense systems and deliver a more substantial payload over greater distances.
The Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau was tasked with designing this next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, which had an ambitious list of requirements. It needed to have a range of nearly 11,200 miles; be capable of carrying several warheads; and have the ability to evade missile defense systems. The RS-28 was also expected to feature advanced guidance systems, including GLONASS and astro-inertial navigation, to ensure precise targeting.
The development process faced numerous challenges, including technical delays and the need to test new propulsion systems, but Russia remained committed to bringing the missile into service.
RS-28 Sarmat specs.
The RS-28 Sarmat is a three-stage, liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile with a launch weight of just over 208 tons. At 35.3 meters in length and three meters in diameter, it’s designed to carry multiple warheads and countermeasures. The missile’s range exceeds 11,200 miles, and it can reach speeds of up to 15,844 MPH, thanks to its advanced propulsion system, which was derived from the RD-274. This provides the necessary thrust to deliver its payload with precision.
One of the most notable features of the RS-28 is its ability to carry a variety of warhead configurations. It can be equipped with 16 light MIRVs, 10 heavy MIRVs or 24 Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles, the latter of which can travel at a top speed of over Mach 5 and maneuver to evade missile defenses.
The missile’s guidance system combines inertial navigation with GLONASS and astro-inertial technologies, ensuring accurate delivery of its payload. It’s housed in a modified 15P718M silo launching system for better protection against enemy strikes.
Why is it nicknamed the Satan II?
The RS-28 Sarmat has been nicknamed “Satan II” by Western media as a reference to its predecessor, the R-36M. This moniker highlights the missile’s formidable capabilities and its potential to deliver devastating nuclear strikes when launched.
The RS-28 is considered one of the world’s deadliest missiles, largely due to its advanced features and ability to carry a significant number of warheads, with a yield described as being 100 times stronger than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during the Second World War. Its potential to evade missile defenses and deliver hypersonic glide vehicles adds to its lethality, which has led to concerns among the international community, particularly those nations within range of its reach.
The Department of Defense, however, has repeatedly said the RS-28 isn’t a threat to the United States or its allies.
Testing the RS-28 Sarmat
The testing of the RS-28 Sarmat has been a challenging process, to say the least. The missile’s first test flight took place on April 20, 2022 – however, its journey to operational readiness hasn’t been without setbacks.
The RS-28 has experienced multiple test failures, including a notable incident on September 21, 2024, where a test launch at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, in northern Russian, resulted in a “catastrophic failure,” leaving a large crater at the site.
“One possible cause is that the first stage (booster) either failed to ignite properly or suffered from a catastrophic mechanical failure, causing the missile to fall back into or land closely adjacent to the silo and explode,” said Timothy Wright, a research associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), in an interview with Reuters.
Despite these issues, Russia remains committed to the Sarmat program. The RS-28’s development is a priority for the Russian military, and efforts continue to address the technical problems that have been encountered during testing.
Will Russia ever launch the RS-28 Sarmat?
Once the RS-28 Sarmat is deemed operational (there are claims its currently on “combat alert“), Russia will deploy it at strategic locations across the country. The missile will be stationed at existing silo-based sites, including those previously housing the R-36M. These were strategically chosen to maximize the missiles’ reach and offer a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.
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The deployment of the RS-28 is expected to enhance Russia’s nuclear posture and ensure the nation’s ability to respond to threats. As the Russo-Ukrainian War continues to rage in Eastern Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin has, on many occasions, warned the West of any moves that could lead to an escalated nuclear conflict.