Russia plans first Sarmat ICBM regiment by end of 2026

Russia test launched its Sarmat ICBM on 12 May 2026. (Russian MoD)

Russia plans its first RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) regiment by the end of 2026, Colonel General Sergey Karakayev, commander of the Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN), told President Vladimir Putin during a teleconference on 12 May. According to a transcript of the teleconference posted on the Kremlin's website, Col Gen Karakayev reported a successful test of the Sarmat missile at 11:15 local time on 12 May.

The general said, “The test results confirmed the validity of the design and technological solutions employed, as well as the missile system's ability to achieve its specified performance characteristics.

“The Sarmat silo-based strategic intercontinental ballistic missile system is being developed to replace the Soviet-made [RS‐20/R‐36M] Voyevoda [heavy ICBM] system. The Sarmat surpasses its predecessor in combat capabilities, primarily in terms of range, throw-weight, launch readiness, and the countermeasures employed, which ensure the system can overcome existing and future missile defence systems,” he added.

Sarmat success

“The system is being developed by the Academician VP Makeyev State Missile Centre in collaboration with an industrial cooperation agency.

“The positive results of the Sarmat missile system launch will allow us to deploy the first missile regiment armed with this missile system to combat duty with the Uzhur formation in Krasnoyarsk Krai by the end of this year [2026].

“The deployment of launchers with the Sarmat missile system will significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the ground-based strategic nuclear forces to reliably engage targets and fulfill strategic deterrence missions.”