In light of growing geopolitical tensions between Russia and the United States, global attention has once again turned toward Russia's most formidable strategic weapon the RS-28 Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), often referred to by its NATO designation, ‘Satan 2’.
Overview Of RS-28 Sarmat
The RS-28 Sarmat is a cutting-edge, next-generation ICBM developed by Russia to replace its aging R-36M2 ‘Voevoda’ missiles. It is named after the ancient Sarmatian people, who were known for their warrior culture during the 4th and 5th centuries BC. The missile is designed to enhance Russia’s nuclear deterrence capabilities and serve as a critical component of its strategic defense.
Key Technical Specifications
Type: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Stages: Three-stage missile
Fuel Type: Liquid-fueled
Maximum Range: Approximately 18,000 kilometers, allowing it to reach targets across the globe
Launch Weight: Over 208 tonnes
Dimensions:
Length: Around 35.3 meters
Diameter: About 3 meters
Top Speed: Capable of reaching speeds up to 25,500 kilometers per hour, which equates to nearly Mach 20
Payload Capacity: Can carry up to 10 tonnes of multiple warheads and advanced hypersonic systems
Destructive Payload And Warhead Options
The RS-28 Sarmat is engineered to deliver an exceptionally heavy payload that includes:
Up to 16 MIRVs (Multiple Independently targetable Reentry Vehicles), each capable of striking different targets
Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles, which can maneuver at hypersonic speeds to evade missile defense systems
Nuclear warheads with destructive power nearly 2,000 times greater than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Each warhead within the Sarmat missile uses a combination of inertial navigation, Russia’s GLONASS satellite system, and astro-inertial guidance to accurately home in on its target, even in GPS-denied environments.
Unique Capability: Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS)
Unlike conventional ICBMs that follow a predictable parabolic trajectory, the RS-28 is believed to be capable of Fractional Orbital Bombardment, a Cold War-era strategy being revived in modern forms. This method involves placing the missile into low Earth orbit before deorbiting it toward the target from an unexpected direction potentially evading early warning systems and missile defenses. This means the missile could approach a target from the South Pole, bypassing U.S. radar systems that primarily face the northern hemisphere.
Strategic Importance
The development and deployment of the RS-28 Sarmat mark a critical advancement in Russia’s strategic weapons arsenal. Its massive payload, near-global range, and ability to bypass missile defenses with hypersonic maneuverability make it a central piece of Russia’s nuclear triad.
According to military analysts, such weapons are primarily aimed at reinforcing nuclear deterrence ensuring that any nuclear aggression against Russia would result in devastating retaliation.
Conclusion
The RS-28 Sarmat ICBM, or ‘Satan 2’, is not just a missile it is a symbol of modern nuclear strategy and a powerful reminder of the destructive potential still present in today’s global military landscape. With unprecedented range, payload, and stealth capabilities, it serves as both a technological marvel and a geopolitical warning amid rising global tensions.
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