Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat Missile: The Spectacular “Satan 2” Flop and Its Global Fallout

6 min read2 days ago

On September 21, 2024, Russia’s much-touted RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, the fearsome “Satan 2,” went up in flames — literally. The missile test at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome didn’t just fail; it spectacularly imploded, leaving a 60-meter-wide crater visible from space. This catastrophic setback has sent shockwaves far beyond the launch site, dealing a serious blow to Russia’s plans to flaunt its nuclear prowess.

This wasn’t just a minor technical glitch; it’s a glaring symbol of the problems plaguing Russia’s nuclear modernization efforts. With tensions soaring and the arms race intensifying, this collapse of Satan 2’s test has not only embarrassed Moscow but also relieved its adversaries. So, what made this missile so crucial, and what does this high-profile disaster mean for Russia and the rest of the world?

Sarmat: Russia’s Weapon for the Future

The RS-28 Sarmat was designed to revolutionize nuclear deterrence. Bigger, faster, and deadlier than anything else in Russia’s arsenal, this liquid-fueled titan was intended to replace the aging SS-18 “Satan” missiles. Hence, the chilling nickname: “Satan 2.” With a colossal range of 18,000 kilometers and the capacity to carry up to 16 independently targetable warheads, the Sarmat wasn’t just a weapon of deterrence — it was built to make adversaries think twice before even considering an attack.

Unveiled by Vladimir Putin in 2018 with much fanfare, the Sarmat missile was Russia’s pride, the shining jewel of a new era of deterrence that also included hypersonic missiles and nuclear-powered cruise missiles. It was part of Russia’s bold plan to ensure it could outwit NATO’s missile defenses and retain its edge as a dominant nuclear force.

But the Sarmat’s road to glory has been anything but smooth. Despite its grand ambitions, the missile program has been riddled with delays and failures. And the September 2024 test? Just the latest in a series of high-profile disasters.

The September 2024 Debacle

To say the September failure was big is an understatement. The Sarmat missile barely made it off the ground before failing spectacularly. Experts believe the problem lies with its liquid-fueled first stage — a notoriously finicky and complex component. When liquid-fueled rockets go wrong, they go very wrong, and that’s exactly what happened here. Satellite imagery revealed the aftermath: a massive crater, with emergency crews rushing to contain the damage.

For a missile of this magnitude, these repeated failures are not just embarrassing — they’re alarming. The Sarmat has now failed four consecutive tests, and there are growing doubts about whether Russia can get it combat-ready as promised. While liquid-fueled missiles like the Sarmat offer greater payload capacity, they’re also more complicated and temperamental, requiring painstaking maintenance — a lesson Russian engineers are learning the hard way.

Russia’s Arsenal in Question

This latest test failure has dealt a heavy blow to Russia’s strategic nuclear ambitions. Putin had proclaimed that the Sarmat would be the backbone of Russia’s future nuclear deterrence. But with these repeated failures, that vision seems increasingly out of reach. The Sarmat was supposed to counter the missile defenses of the U.S. and NATO and keep Russia on par with the world’s major nuclear powers.

Now, each failed test raises concerns not just about the technical issues but also about Russia’s financial and human resources. Developing and maintaining a liquid-fueled ICBM is enormously expensive, and the ongoing war in Ukraine is straining Russia’s defense budget to the breaking point. Some experts suspect that Russia’s war effort is pulling vital talent and resources away from its strategic missile programs, exacerbating these failures.

Global Fallout: What the Failure Means for the Arms Race

The failure of the RS-28 Sarmat is undoubtedly a win for NATO and the U.S. — at least for now. With the Sarmat’s deployment delayed once again, Russia’s nuclear capabilities remain relatively stagnant. But this doesn’t necessarily reduce the overall risk of escalation. In fact, the setbacks could increase pressure on Russia to prove its nuclear strength in other, potentially more dangerous, ways.

The Sarmat was supposed to be a centerpiece of a new nuclear age, where advanced ICBMs and hypersonic glide vehicles would form the bedrock of global deterrence. But as these technologies spread, the risks of miscalculations and accidents grow. Hypersonic weapons and multi-warhead missiles add layers of complexity to an already precarious global arms control landscape. As Russia, the U.S., and China push the boundaries of nuclear technology, the chances of a catastrophic mistake are only rising.

The Bigger Picture

At this moment, the crater left by the Sarmat test is more than just a hole in the ground — it’s a symbol of Russia’s faltering nuclear ambitions. The missile that was supposed to make the world tremble is now the latest source of embarrassment for Moscow. But don’t count the Sarmat out just yet. Russia will likely push forward with more tests, more development, and more effort to get this missile operational. The stakes are simply too high for them to abandon the program.

That said, the repeated delays and failures of the Sarmat are a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers and complexities of modern nuclear weapons. As countries race to develop ever more advanced systems, the margin for error shrinks — and the potential consequences become even more terrifying.

For now, the smoking remains at Plesetsk are a stark reminder that even the most powerful weapons can fail — spectacularly — and that the race to build the ultimate deterrent is fraught with danger at every turn.

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