Vladimir Putin has praised Russia’s successful test launch of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, describing it as the “most powerful missile in the world.”
Russian state media showed footage of Strategic Missile Forces commander Sergei Karakayev reporting the successful launch to Putin during a televised meeting at the Kremlin.
According to Putin, the nuclear-capable Sarmat missile will officially enter combat service before the end of 2026. He claimed the weapon has a range exceeding 35,000 kilometres and can bypass existing and future missile defence systems.
Known in the West as “Satan II,” the Sarmat is designed to replace older Soviet-era Voyevoda missiles and forms part of Russia’s broader military modernization programme.
The missile’s development began in 2011 but faced multiple setbacks, including failed tests in previous years. Tuesday’s launch is being viewed as a major milestone for Moscow’s strategic weapons programme.
The test comes amid growing international concerns over nuclear arms control after the expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the United States earlier this year.
Putin also highlighted other advanced Russian weapons systems, including hypersonic missiles and underwater nuclear drones, saying Moscow was strengthening its strategic capabilities in response to US missile defence programmes and rising global tensions.
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