Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Tuesday that Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat nuclear-capable missile system, known by NATO as “Satan II,” will enter combat duty before the end of 2026 following what officials described as a successful test launch, according to CNN.
The Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile is designed to replace Russia’s aging Soviet-era SS-18 system. Reports cited by CNN said the missile can carry multiple nuclear warheads and travel more than 10,000 kilometers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will deploy its nuclear-capable Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile by the end of the year (translation via AP) https://t.co/SGSdGG1Bec pic.twitter.com/VFVhTEO9jg
— Bloomberg (@business) May 12, 2026
Russian state television aired footage of Strategic Missile Forces commander Sergei Karakayev briefing Putin on the launch. However, the report noted that the missile program has faced repeated testing delays and setbacks since development began in 2011.
Analysts also pointed to skepticism inside Russia, with critics noting Putin has repeatedly claimed the missile was nearing deployment in recent years.
The launch comes amid heightened tensions over Ukraine and growing concerns about Russia’s nuclear posture and military signaling toward the West.
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