RS-28 Sarmat

The RS-28 Sarmat, also known as "Satan 2" by NATO, is a cutting-edge intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that plays a pivotal role in Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy. As global tensions between major powers like the United States and Russia escalate, the RS-28 Sarmat has drawn considerable attention due to its capabilities and potential strategic impact.

Key Features of the RS-28 Sarmat:

1. Design & Specifications:

   • Three-Stage, Liquid-Fueled Missile: The RS-28 Sarmat is a liquid-fueled ICBM with three stages of propulsion, giving it exceptional range and power.

   • Weight & Size: The missile is the heaviest ICBM ever built, with a launch weight of more than 208 tonnes. Its dimensions are equally imposing, being 35.3 meters long and 3 meters in diameter.

   • Speed: It can reach a maximum speed of 25,500 kph, or about Mach 20, which is more than 20 times the speed of sound, making it highly maneuverable and hard to intercept.

2. Range & Payload:

   • Range: The RS-28 Sarmat has an incredible range of 18,000 km, allowing it to strike targets across continents.

   • Payload: It can carry a 10-ton payload, and up to 16 independently targetable nuclear warheads, as well as Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles.

   • Warhead Variety: The missile can accommodate a variety of warheads, enhancing its versatility and strike potential.

3. Guidance System:

   • Each warhead has its own guidance system, which uses inertial navigation, GLONASS (Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System), and astro-inertial technology to ensure precise targeting.

4. Fractional Orbital Bombardment:

   • The RS-28 Sarmat is believed to be capable of fractional orbital bombardment, which involves launching the missile into a low Earth orbit (far lower than a typical ICBM trajectory). This allows the missile to approach its target from unexpected angles, potentially reducing the likelihood of interception.

5. Devastating Impact:

   • The RS-28 Sarmat's warheads are reported to be capable of delivering 2,000 times the power of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, underscoring the missile's massive destructive potential.

Strategic Significance:

The RS-28 Sarmat is a part of Russia's modernization of its nuclear arsenal, serving as a powerful deterrent against potential adversaries. The missile's ability to deliver multiple, highly destructive warheads with extreme accuracy makes it a formidable weapon in strategic military scenarios.

• Nuclear Deterrence: With its massive payload and ability to target from unexpected trajectories, the RS-28 Sarmat is seen as a means to ensure that any potential aggressor would face catastrophic retaliation in the event of a nuclear conflict.

• Impact on Global Security: The missile represents a significant escalation in the global arms race, highlighting the evolving nature of nuclear warfare. The integration of hypersonic glide vehicles into the missile's payload adds another layer of complexity to missile defense systems worldwide.