Satellite images show failed test of Russian RS-28 Sarmat ballistic missile

Russia’s test launch of its RS-28 Sarmat Super-Heavy Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) has failed at the launch site in Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, the Open-source intelligence project MeNMyRC reported.

Satellite images from Maxar, taken on September 21, revealed a potential failure during its test.

Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 kilometres north of Moscow.

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According to the report, the test was a "complete failure," determining that the missile "detonated in the silo, leaving a massive crater and destroying the test site."

What isSarmat Super-Heavy Intercontinental Ballistic Missile?

Sarmat is one of Russia’s key components to its nuclear arsenal. It was placed on combat duty in 2023 and is often referred to as Satan II. The silo-based missile with multiple warheads was announced to be in development by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018 as a successor to the Cold War-era R-36 ICMBs, known by their NATO codename Satan.

However, the arms experts were uncertain whether the liquid-fuelled Sarmat failed during the launch itself or if an accident occurred during the defueling process.

Pavel Podvig, a Geneva-based analyst, who operates the Russian Nuclear Forces project, said, "By all indications, it was a failed test. It's a big hole in the ground," adding, "There was a serious incident with the missile and the silo."

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The Russian defence ministry has, however, not responded yet and has not made any announcements regarding the planned Sarmat tests in recent days.

Reportedly, this was Sarmat's fourth failure since being placed on combat duty, with Sarmat’s only successful launch occurring in April 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)