First Mass-produced Sarmat Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles Ready for Deployment

The Russian Ministry of Defense has disclosed that the initial consignment of Sarmat super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missiles is set to enter operational service imminently.

In an official statement released on Saturday, the ministry announced that manufacturer Krasmash is currently producing the first batch of these mass-produced missiles, which will soon be deployed for combat duty.

Furthermore, Alexander Gavrilov, the General Director of Krasmash, emphasized the expansion of production capacity. Gavrilov discussed the enterprise's increased production capabilities, the installation of technological equipment, and the imminent inauguration of a new production facility for mechanical processing, covering an extensive area of 18,000 square meters and equipped with 300 workstations adhering to the highest modern standards.

During a plenary meeting of the Valdai international discussion club on October 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin also declared that Russia is prepared to initiate mass production and deployment of the Sarmat strategic missile system.

The RS-28 Sarmat is equipped with a liquid-fueled propulsion system and boasts multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) capability. This formidable weapon system is the creation of the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau, a renowned design and manufacturing entity. As of 2023, the Sarmat ICBM has been officially introduced into service, signifying its readiness for strategic deployment. Its substantial specifications include a weight of 208.1 tonnes, an impressive length of 35.5 meters, and a diameter of 3 meters. The missile carries a thermonuclear warhead and features a combination of 10 MIRVs (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles) and 16 with Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV). Powered by a three-stage liquid-fueled rocket engine, it can achieve an operational range of approximately 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles), establishing its position as a potent asset in Russia's strategic arsenal. A network of manufacturers, including KrasMash, Zlatoust MZ, NPO Energomash, NPO Mashinostroyeniya, and KBKhA, plays a crucial role in its production and maintenance.