RS-28 “Sarmat”. Photo: Focus
Catastrophe During Testing: “Sarmat” Missile Explodes in Russia
In the Russian Federation, an extraordinary event occurred during the testing of the RS-28 “Sarmat” intercontinental ballistic missile, which Russian propagandists take great pride in. The incident took place at a test site, where the missile unexpectedly exploded, causing extensive destruction.
Timeline of Events
According to information provided by Cursorinfo researchers, the explosion occurred during the missile’s refueling. Observations based on satellite images from Planet Labs reveal that the missile exploded right in the silo, creating a massive crater and destroying the site.
Expert Commentary
“The tests of the RS-28 ‘Sarmat’ ended in total failure. The explosion occurred even before the launch, as the missile uses liquid fuel,” analysts noted. It was also reported that four fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, supposedly responding to a forest fire. However, OSINT analyst MT_Anderson published a satellite image of the Russian Plesetsk Cosmodrome, showcasing the destruction following the failed tests.
Photo: Russian media
Rare Cases of Explosions
Experts emphasize that an explosion of an intercontinental missile during testing is an extraordinary event that happens very rarely. The last similar incident was recorded in October 1960 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome when an R-16 missile exploded.
Political Implications
Analysts believe that the Kremlin is unlikely to officially acknowledge the disaster involving the “Sarmat.” This could impact the image of the Russian armed forces, which actively use this missile as a symbol of their military strength.
What is RS-28 “Sarmat”?
The RS-28 “Sarmat” is a Russian strategic missile system of the fifth generation, designed for silo-based deployment. This multi-stage liquid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missile measures up to 35 meters in length and weighs 208 tons at launch. It can deliver payloads of up to 10 tons over distances of up to 16,000 kilometers, making it one of the most powerful missiles in the world.
