Media: Russia experiences fourth failed test of nuclear missile PHOTO

The Russian RS-28 "Sarmat" intercontinental ballistic missile has exploded directly in its launch silo during testing.

Open source intelligence (OSINT) analysts noted that the recent successful test of the "Sarmat" missile was carried out on April 20, 2022, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media. 

"This time [around September 20 or 21], the missile exploded directly in its silo near the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, leaving behind a massive crater," the message says.

Ukrainian media claim that this allegedly marks the fourth unsuccessful test. 

Designed to replace Russia’s aging SS-18 Satan ICBM, the RS-28 Sarmat began development some time in the 2000s. After awarding production contracts to Makeyev Design Bureau and NPOMash in early 2011, Russia concluded research and development of the Sarmat ICBM on July 21, 2011. Russia completed its first prototype of the missile in late 2015.  

In December 2017, Russia conducted its first silo ejection test of the Sarmat, which reportedly revealed technical deficiencies with the launch system. Two subsequent silo ejection tests—on March and May 2018—were apparently successful. The RS-28 was initially scheduled to enter service in 2018 with 50 missiles on order.

By Naila Huseynova