Russia is testing ‘world’s most powerful’ missile: 10 facts about the weapon

New Delhi:

1. Sarmat is an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of nuclear payloads.
2. The weapon can be deployed with 10 or more warheads on each missile.
3. The long-range missile has been in development since the 2000s.
4. The Sarmat is designed to evade missile defense systems with a short initial boost phase, giving enemy surveillance systems a small window to track.
5. Weighing more than 200 tons and capable of carrying multiple warheads, Putin says the missile can hit any target on Earth.
6. “Sarmat is the most powerful missile with the longest range of target destruction in the world,” the Russian Defense Ministry said after the test.
7. The Sarmat rocket test took place at the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia.
8. “This truly unique weapon will enhance the combat potential of our armed forces, reliably ensure Russia’s security from outside threats, and give thought to those who seek to threaten our country,” Putin said.
9. The Sarmat, dubbed Satan 2 by Western analysts, is one of the next-generation Russian missiles Putin has called “invincible,” which also includes the Kinzhal and Avangard hypersonic missiles.
10. Last month, Russia said it used Kinzhal in warfare for the first time to hit a target in Ukraine, where Russian forces have been engaged in a special military operation since Feb. 24.