Russia to deploy 'most powerful nuclear missile in the world' this year

Vladimir Putin has confirmed the upcoming deployment of the world's 'most powerful' nuclear missile.

It's reported that the 73-year-old leader confirmed the successful test of a new Sarmat strategic weapon, which has the ability to carry a nuclear warhead, on Russian state television.

"This is the most powerful missile in the world," Putin said, following a successful launch test on Tuesday.

"It has the ability to penetrate all existing ​and future anti-missile defence systems."

Russia's missile force commander Sergei Karakayev also featured in the broadcast, telling the Russian leader that the missile would 'significantly enhance' the combat capabilities of Russia's nuclear forces and guarantee the 'destruction of targets and ⁠solving strategic deterrence problems'.

According to LBC, the rocket is said to weigh around 208 tonnes and is as tall as a 14-storey tower block.

"The total yield of the delivered warhead is more than four times greater than that of any existing, most powerful Western equivalent," he said.

"Most importantly, the missile can travel not only on a ballistic trajectory, but also on a suborbital one.

"Thirdly, this allows for a range of over 35,000 kilometres while simultaneously doubling its missile defence performance."

Putin also claimed that the new Sarmat missile was capable of travelling at a range exceeding 35,000km (21,750 miles), which means it could theoretically reach targets across Europe and in the US.

He added that the new missile will be deployed later this year and would have the ability to 'penetrate all existing and future anti-missile defence systems'.

Meanwhile, former President Dmitry Medvedev appeared to celebrate the test on X with an ominous message, writing: "Congratulations to all Russia's western “friends” on the successful test of the Sarmat strategic missile system. Now we're all so much closer!"

Congratulations to all Russia's western “friends” on the successful test of the Sarmat strategic missile system. Now we're all so much closer! pic.twitter.com/6xcBLIXQCO

— Dmitry Medvedev (@MedvedevRussiaE) May 13, 2026

Russia's nuclear arsenal explained

According to International Campaign to End Nuclear Weapons statistics, Russia has the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, numbering around 5459 functional warheads, ahead of the USA's 5277.

Russia has threatened the use of its nuclear weapons several times since invading Ukraine in 2022, with the Russian Foreign Ministry accusing the UK and France of plotting to secretly supply Ukraine with nuclear technology.

"We once again warn of the risks of a direct military confrontation between nuclear powers and, accordingly, of its potentially dire consequences," the foreign ministry said, via Reuters.

The allegation has since been refuted, with the French embassy in Moscow calling the accusation 'an outright lie'.

Similar threats have been echoed across pro-Kremlin television shows, with propagandist Vladimir Solovyov regularly threatening the annihilation of the West, more specifically, the UK, on his chat show.

Fortunately for everyone involved, none of the nuclear threats have actually been acted on, most likely because everyone involved is aware that it would lead to mutually assured destruction.