Russia Tests Sarmat Missile Super-Heavy ICBM Hits Target on 12 May 2026

OVERVIEW

On 12 May 2026, Russia tested its Sarmat super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch took place from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region. The missile hit its target at the Kura test range on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The test is part of Russia’s plan to modernise its nuclear forces. The Sarmat is meant to replace the old Soviet-era R-36M2 Voyevoda missile. NATO calls it SS-29 Satan II. Russia wants to deploy the first Sarmat regiment by the end of 2026. However, the programme has faced delays and some failed tests in the past.

RUSSIA TESTS SARMAT MISSILE ON 12 MAY 2026

On  12 May 2026 , Russia conducted a test launch of the  Sarmat  missile. This is a super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The launch happened at the  Plesetsk Cosmodrome  in the Arkhangelsk region. The missile successfully hit its designated target at the  Kura test range  on the Kamchatka Peninsula. This test is part of Russia’s programme to modernise its nuclear forces.

WHAT IS THE SARMAT MISSILE SYSTEM?

The Sarmat is a  liquid-fuelled  intercontinental ballistic missile. It was developed for Russia’s strategic missile forces. NATO gives it the code name  SS-29 Satan II . The Sarmat is designed to replace the old  R-36M2 Voyevoda  (NATO name: SS-18 Satan), which was built during the Soviet era.

Key features of the Sarmat:

• Can carry  multiple nuclear warheads

• Designed to  penetrate missile defence systems

• Range is said to exceed  35,000 kilometres  (very long range)

LAUNCH SITES AND DEPLOYMENT PLAN

Plesetsk Cosmodrome  is a Russian military space launch facility in the Arkhangelsk region. It has been used for many missile and space launches over the years.

Kura test range  is located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East. It serves as a target area for long-range missile tests.

Russia plans to deploy the  first Sarmat missile regiment  to combat duty by the end of 2026. This regiment will be based in the  Uzhur formation  of  Krasnoyarsk Krai , which is associated with Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces.

TEST HISTORY AND TECHNICAL CHALLENGES

The Sarmat programme has not been smooth. It has faced delays and some reported test failures.

• September 2024:  A reported failed test left a  60-metre crater  at the Plesetsk launch silo.

• November 2025:  Another suspected failure – the missile crashed shortly after take-off.

Despite these problems, the 12 May 2026 test appears to have been successful. Russia continues to push ahead with the programme.

RUSSIA’S STRATEGIC NUCLEAR FORCES

Russia’s nuclear forces are part of its strategic deterrent. They include three types of systems:

• Land-based missiles