Russia’s Sarmat missile: Putin announces deployment by year-end amid tests and ceasefire context

The Associated Press reported that the total yield of the delivered Sarmat warhead is more than four times greater than that of any existing Western counterpart.

Putin highlighted other strategic weapons developed by Russia, including Avangard, Kinzhal, Oreshnik, Poseidon, and noted work nearing completion on the Burevestnik global-range cruise missile powered by a miniature nuclear propulsion unit.

The three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine ended, with the truce having been announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Karakayev said the first regiment equipped with the missile would be placed on combat duty by the end of the year in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk region.

During a televised meeting with top military officials, Putin announced that Moscow would deploy the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile by the end of the year.

The latest launch was described as the second successful test of the missile, following an earlier success in 2022.

The first test launch of the Sarmat missile occurred in April 2022, about two months after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The missile was originally expected to enter service by the end of 2022, according to Russia’s state media.

Russia publicly unveiled the Sarmat missile programme as part of its next-generation strategic weapons initiative.