New satellite images reveal failed launch of Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile used by Putin for intimidation
OSINT analyst George Barros has released new satellite imagery from space technology company Maxar that shows a failed test of the Sarmat super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the Plesetsk cosmodrome in Russia.
Source: Barros on X (Twitter)
Details: The OSINT analyst noted that a large crater, approximately 62 m wide, along with significant damage on and around the launch pad at the launch silo site, suggests the missile exploded shortly after ignition or launch.
For reference: Sarmat is a Russian strategic missile system featuring an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Russians claim that its capabilities allow it to bypass all modern missile defence systems and it is believed to be the weapon with the longest range in the world.
According to official Russian data, the Sarmat missile has a range of over 11,000 km and can carry a warhead weighing 100 tonnes.
Previously: Prior to that, the MeNMyRC OSINT project released satellite images showing that a Sarmat ICBM had exploded during a test in Plesetsk, Russia.
Background:
- In June 2023, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, boasting of the latest weapons in the Russian Armed Forces during a meeting with military graduates, once again resorted to threats of putting new Sarmat launchers with a new super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on combat duty. He also stated that plans to improve the capabilities of all components of the Russian Armed Forces would be fully implemented.
- Western media have reported five failed Sarmat launches.
- CNBC, an American business news channel, reported that the Sarmat's longest test flight lasted just over two minutes. The missile flew just over 35 km before losing control and crashing.
- The only successful launch of the missile supposedly took place on 20 April 2022.
- Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered the Sarmat to be put on combat duty in 2022, which was done in September 2023.
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