A recent test of Russia’s Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile ended in a massive explosion, according to satellite images. The images show a 200-foot-wide crater at the launch site, suggesting the missile exploded just before or during the launch.
The Sarmat missile, also known as Satan-2, is designed to carry nuclear warheads to targets thousands of miles away. However, this latest incident marks the fourth unsuccessful test of the missile out of five tests that have been carried out. The only successful test occurred on April 20, 2022, when the missile traveled 3,500 miles away.
Experts believe that the missile failed soon after ignition. A possible cause is that the first stage (booster) either failed to ignite properly or suffered from a catastrophic mechanical failure, causing the missile to fall back into or land closely adjacent to the silo and explode.
The latest failure is expected to push back the already delayed production of the Sarmat, and could lead to the program being scrapped. This would mean that the ageing SS-18s that the new missile is meant to replace remain in service even longer.
The incident has raised concerns about Russia’s rhetoric, with the country making veiled threats to use the missile against Europe if the West approves Ukraine’s plans to use long-range missiles against targets deep in Russian territory.
Russia’s Sarmat Missile Program Faces Uncertain Future
The failed test has sparked concerns about the reliability and effectiveness of the Sarmat missile program. With the latest failure, the program’s future remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen how Russia will move forward with the development of this powerful missile.