Clip: Launch preparation process for RS-28 Sarmat

Sputnik cited a video on Russia's Zvezda TV channel showing the Russian Strategic Missile Forces preparing for a test launch of the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

In the video, Krasmash plant employees perform the process of loading Sarmat into a launch shaft at the test site.

Loading an ICBM as heavy and large as the Sarmat into the launch silo involves three stages: placing the missile on the launch pad, standing the missile upright, and then lowering the missile into the silo. This whole process can take several hours.

The Sarmat ICBM project was announced by Moscow a long time ago, but President Putin revealed many new features of this "super missile" in his federal message in early March, and also released a video of the test launch at the end of last year.

Talking about the power of this new missile, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov said that when the Sarmat ICBM is put into service, it will be a response to the "Prompt Global Strike" strategic initiative and will be able to overcome almost all missile defense systems of the US and the West.

Image of a test launch of the Sarmat missile.

According to Yuri Borisov, the development of the Sarmat ICBM is in the final stage. To solve the task, Russia is conducting many advanced research and experimental design work to cope with the global strike from the US.

Mr. Borisov also affirmed that by the end of 2020, Russia's strategic nuclear forces will be 100% re-equipped, not 70%. The development of the Sarmat heavy ICBM will be completed in 2018-2020 and equipment will begin a year later.

Speaking about the special capabilities of Sarmat, Deputy Minister Yuri Borisov said that the missile can fly very far across Antarctica and force the US to build a very complex circular missile defense system.

In addition, the missile's large payload capacity allows it to be equipped with not only warheads, but also various missile defense breakthrough systems.

Mr. Borisov said that Sarmat will be a unique missile in the world, capable of overcoming almost any obstacle, any missile defense system and terrifying the enemy because it can attack through both the North and South Poles.

The first test launch of Sarmat was conducted in late 2017 and was considered successful. Sarmat is expected to replace the old Soviet-era ICBM R-36M2 Voevoda (SS-18 Satan).

Clip: The process of Russian Strategic Missile Forces preparing for a test launch of the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile.