Satellite images indicate that Russia has conducted a test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, but it appears to have failed, according to experts. The RS-28 Sarmat missile, also known as “Satan II” by NATO, is designed to carry nuclear warheads and reach targets across long distances, including the United States and Europe.
Images taken by Maxar, a space technology company, on September 21 reveal significant damage at the launch silo in Russia’s Plesetsk Cosmodrome. A crater measuring about 60 meters wide was not visible in earlier pictures from this month.
Arms experts who analyzed the satellite images concluded that there was a failure during the missile launch. Defense commentator Tim Ripley stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin would likely be disappointed with these testing results since he has been personally involved in these programs.
Ripley explained that rockets and missiles can encounter various issues during launches, and when something goes wrong, it can go very wrong. He mentioned that Putin had previously showcased new nuclear delivery systems during his annual state of the nation speech in 2018.
Last year, Russia officially withdrew from several nuclear arms control treaties as part of its effort to assert independence from Western dominance. Timothy Wright from the International Institute for Strategic Studies suggested that based on the destruction surrounding the missile silo area, there may have been a failure shortly after ignition due to problems with either ignition or mechanical failure.
In response to speculation about resuming nuclear tests for the first time since 1990, Russia announced on Monday that it would refrain from testing as long as the United States does not conduct such tests either. Rear Admiral Andrei Sinitsyn had previously stated that Novaya Zemlya archipelago was ready for nuclear tests if ordered by Moscow.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov clarified that although Russia has prepared its Novaya Zemlya test site for potential tests in response to actions by the United States improving its own testing infrastructure; they will only proceed if necessary and if prompted by US actions.
It is worth noting that North Korea is currently the only country known to have conducted a nuclear explosion test this century. In April 2022, Russia claimed successful launch of a Sarmat missile and declared it combat-ready. Recently both US and UK signaled lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of precision missiles against targets inside Russia but refrained from giving full approval due to concerns over escalating conflict.
