Russia Test-Launches Sarmat ICBM As Putin Hails It Most Powerful
Russia test-launched its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile on May 12, 2026, at an unspecified site in Russia, and President Vladimir Putin called it "the most powerful missile in the world." CBS News
Putin said Sarmat will enter combat service by the end of 2026.[1] Russia describes Sarmat as a heavy ICBM able to carry up to 10 tons of payload and to fly more than 21,700 miles with multiple independently targetable nuclear warheads.[1]
The May 12 test follows the February 2026 expiration of the last remaining U.S.-Russia nuclear arms pact, leaving no treaty caps on their arsenals.[1] Sarmat's development record includes only one known successful test and a 2024 abortive launch that caused a large explosion at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On May 12, 2026, Russia test-launched its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile at an unspecified site in Russia.
- President Vladimir Putin said Sarmat will enter combat service by the end of 2026 and called it 'the most powerful missile in the world.'
- Sarmat is a heavy ICBM reportedly capable of carrying up to 10 tons of payload and flying more than 21,700 miles, with multiple independently targetable nuclear warheads.
- The test follows the February 2026 expiration of the last remaining U.S.-Russia nuclear arms pact, leaving no treaty caps on their arsenals.
- Previous Sarmat development reportedly included only one known successful test and a 2024 abortive test that caused a large explosion at Plesetsk Cosmodrome.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time