The RS-28 Sarmat is a liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile currently under development by Russia.
Sarmat at a Glance
Originated from: Russia
Possessed by: Russia
Class: Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)
Alternate names: SS-X-30 Satan II
Basing: Silo-based
Length: 35.3 m
Diameter: 3.0 m
Launch Weight: 208.1 metric tons
Payload: 10,000 kg of MIRV or glide vehicles
Propulsion: Liquid-fueled
Range: 10,000 – 18,000 km
Status: In development
In Service: 2021 (est.)
Development

Designed to replace Russia’s aging SS-18 Satan ICBM, the RS-28 Sarmat began development some time in the 2000s.1 After awarding production contracts to Makeyev Design Bureau and NPOMash in early 2011, Russia concluded research and development of the Sarmat ICBM on July 21, 2011.2 Russia completed its first prototype of the missile in late 2015.3 In December 2017, Russia conducted its first silo ejection test of the Sarmat, which reportedly revealed technical deficiencies with the launch system.4 Two subsequent silo ejection tests—on March and May 2018—were apparently successful.5 The RS-28 was initially scheduled to enter service in 2018 with 50 missiles on order. After several technical delays, the Sarmat missile is planned to enter service in 2021.6
Description
The Sarmat is a three-stage, liquid-fueled missile with a range of 18,000 km and a launch weight of 208.1 metric tons.7 The missile is 35.3 meters long and 3 meters in diameter.8 Designated a “heavy” ICBM, the Sarmat can carry a 10 ton payload and can load a wide variety of warhead options.9 According to Russian media, Sarmat can reportedly load up to 10 large warheads, 16 smaller ones, a combination of warheads and countermeasures, or hypersonic boost-glide vehicles.10 11