Russia conducted a test launch of the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 [2].
The launch serves as a strategic signal of military strength to the U.S. and NATO. By showcasing the missile's capabilities, the Kremlin aims to modernize its nuclear deterrent and influence the strategic calculus of President-elect Donald Trump.
President Vladimir Putin said the RS-28 Sarmat, known by the NATO reporting name "Satan II," is the most powerful missile in the world [1]. The Russian defense ministry said the missile can carry multiple nuclear warheads and evade all current missile-defense systems [3].
Reports on the missile's range vary between sources. One report cites a range of 21,700 miles [1], while another suggests a range of approximately 7,500 miles [4]. The test was conducted from Russian territory, likely at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome [1].
The timing of the test coincides with ongoing diplomatic tensions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that an invitation for President-elect Donald Trump to visit Russia remains open [5].
Russian officials framed the test not only as a technical milestone but as a direct message to the incoming U.S. administration. The Sarmat is designed to replace older Soviet-era missiles to ensure Russia maintains a credible second-strike capability, a core component of its national security strategy.
"The Sarmat is the most powerful missile in the world," Putin said [1].
“"The Sarmat is the most powerful missile in the world."”
The deployment and testing of the RS-28 Sarmat represent a shift in Russia's nuclear posture, emphasizing the ability to bypass U.S. missile defenses. By linking this military demonstration to an open invitation for President-elect Donald Trump, the Kremlin is utilizing 'brinkmanship'—combining a show of overwhelming force with a diplomatic olive branch to establish leverage in future bilateral negotiations.
