RS-28 Sarmat warhead

The RS-28 Sarmat warhead entry is best understood as the payload side of the Sarmat heavy ICBM program rather than a single publicly confirmed warhead model. Sarmat was developed to replace the R-36M2 Voevoda heavy ICBM and preserve Russia's ability to carry large nuclear payloads, penetration aids, and potentially hypersonic glide vehicles. CSIS describes Sarmat as a heavy ICBM with a wide variety of warhead options, while IISS notes Russian test claims and estimates of multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles.

Technically, Sarmat's payload is discussed in open sources in terms of throw-weight and flexibility. CSIS reports a very large payload capacity and options including MIRVs or glide vehicles. IISS analysis discusses estimates around 10 to 15 MIRVs, while noting that Russian public claims and operational timelines require caution. Exact yield, number of deployed warheads, decoys, and penetration aids are not public. A careful database entry should therefore avoid a fixed yield claim and emphasize payload uncertainty.

Operationally, RS-28 Sarmat warhead packages would support Russia's silo-based strategic deterrent. Heavy ICBMs are valued because they can carry many reentry vehicles and countermeasures, increasing target coverage and complicating missile defense. The payload issue is also political: Russian statements about Sarmat emphasize its ability to defeat defenses and preserve strategic parity. Until deployment evidence is clearer, the warhead page should frame Sarmat payloads as assessed or claimed options tied to the missile system, not as fully transparent fielded hardware.