RS-28 Sarmat
Specifications
| Designation | RS-28 Sarmat |
| Also Known As | Satan II, SS-X-30 |
| Type | Heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (silo-based liquid-fuel) |
| Manufacturer | Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau |
| Operators | Russia |
| Length | 35.5 m |
| Diameter | 3 m |
| Weight | 210000 kg |
| Range | 18000 km |
| Speed | Mach 20.7 |
| Max Altitude | 1000 km |
| Guidance | Inertial + GLONASS with MIRV/HGV bus |
| Warhead | 10-15 MIRVed warheads or Avangard HGVs (total 10 tonnes throw-weight) |
| Propulsion | Liquid-fuel rocket engine |
| First Tested | 2022 |
| First Deployed | 2023 |
| Unit Cost | $50-100M |
Overview
The RS-28 Sarmat is a heavy intercontinental ballistic missile developed by Russia to replace the Soviet-era SS-18 Satan. With a 10-tonne throw weight, 18,000km range, and Mach 20.7 speed, it is one of the most advanced ballistic missiles in the world. Its significance in the Iran conflict lies in its ability to deliver nuclear warheads or Avangard hypersonic glide vehicles, making it a key component of Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy.
Development History
The RS-28 Sarmat was first announced in 2014, with development beginning in 2015. The first successful test launch occurred in April 2022, and the missile was first deployed in 2023. The development of the RS-28 Sarmat was a response to the United States' development of missile defense systems, which Russia saw as a threat to its nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Technical Deep Dive
The RS-28 Sarmat uses a liquid-fuel rocket engine and has a three-stage design. The first stage is powered by a RD-274 engine, while the second and third stages use RD-275 and RD-276 engines, respectively. The missile's guidance system uses a combination of inertial navigation and GLONASS satellite navigation, allowing it to deliver its warheads with high accuracy. The RS-28 Sarmat can carry up to 15 MIRVed warheads or Avangard HGVs, which are designed to maneuver and evade interception by missile defense systems.
Combat Record
Tactical Role
The RS-28 Sarmat is designed to deliver nuclear warheads or Avangard HGVs to targets in the United States or other countries. Its long range and high speed make it a key component of Russia's nuclear deterrence strategy, allowing it to threaten targets deep within enemy territory.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Variants
| Variant | Differences | Status |
|---|---|---|
| RS-28 Sarmat (base model) | The base model of the RS-28 Sarmat, with a 10-tonne throw weight and 18,000km range. | Operational |
| RS-28 Sarmat (Avangard variant) | A variant of the RS-28 Sarmat designed to carry Avangard HGVs, with a modified guidance system and warhead bus. | In development |
| RS-28 Sarmat (MIRV variant) | A variant of the RS-28 Sarmat designed to carry MIRVed warheads, with a modified warhead bus and guidance system. | In development |
Countermeasures
The RS-28 Sarmat's adversaries can counter it by developing and deploying advanced missile defense systems, such as the US Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. Additionally, enemy forces can attempt to destroy the RS-28 Sarmat's silos and infrastructure, or develop their own ballistic missiles to counter the RS-28 Sarmat's capabilities.
Analysis
Conflict Impact
The RS-28 Sarmat has significant implications for the Iran conflict, as it provides Russia with a highly capable and survivable nuclear deterrent. The RS-28 Sarmat's ability to deliver nuclear warheads or Avangard HGVs to targets in the United States or other countries makes it a key component of Russia's nuclear strategy, and its deployment could potentially escalate the conflict.
Future Outlook
The RS-28 Sarmat is expected to remain a key component of Russia's nuclear forces for the foreseeable future, with ongoing development and modernization efforts aimed at improving its capabilities and survivability. The RS-28 Sarmat's development and deployment could also drive the development of advanced missile defense systems, potentially leading to a new arms race.
Analyst Assessment
The RS-28 Sarmat is a highly capable and survivable ballistic missile that provides Russia with a significant nuclear deterrent capability. Its development and deployment have significant implications for the Iran conflict and the global strategic balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of the RS-28 Sarmat?
The RS-28 Sarmat has a range of 18,000km, allowing it to threaten targets in the United States or other countries.
What type of warheads can the RS-28 Sarmat carry?
The RS-28 Sarmat can carry up to 15 MIRVed warheads or Avangard HGVs, making it a highly capable and flexible weapon system.
Is the RS-28 Sarmat road-mobile?
No, the RS-28 Sarmat is silo-based, making it less flexible and more vulnerable to attack than road-mobile missiles.
What is the speed of the RS-28 Sarmat?
The RS-28 Sarmat has a speed of Mach 20.7, making it one of the fastest ballistic missiles in the world.
What is the significance of the RS-28 Sarmat in the Iran conflict?
The RS-28 Sarmat provides Russia with a highly capable and survivable nuclear deterrent, which could potentially escalate the conflict and drive the development of advanced missile defense systems.