A nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile of PC-28 "Sarmat" exploded at the training ground in Russia. The incident happened on September 20 or 21, as it became known thanks to satellite images obtained by OSINT researchers with Planet Labs. This explosion emphasizes the serious technical problems that the Russian defense industry faced.
The rocket, according to the researchers, probably stood during the gas station, even before the actual launch. This hypothesis explains why the NATO Ball did not find activity in the incident during the event.
Technical details of the accident
It is reported that the explosion occurred directly in the mine during the process of filling the rocket with liquid fuel, which could lead to detonation. Satellite images show a massive crater and signs of large -scale destruction on the landfill. Four fire trucks also arrived at the scene to extinguish the forest fire caused by an explosion.
This accident emphasizes serious problems in the Russian missile program, in particular in the development of the strategic complex of PC-28 "Sarmat". The explosion indicates the vulnerability of the system during critical operations such as liquid components.
Sarmat's characteristics
Sarmat PC-28 is a strategic missile complex of fifth generation of mine base. It is an intercontinental ballistic rocket (MBR) with liquid fuel, which has a length of 35 meters and a starting weight of 208 tons. Its flight range is up to 16 thousand kilometers, and the mass of throwing - about 10 tons.
Russia has repeatedly stated that the Sarmat missile is capable of delivering nuclear warheads to anywhere in the world. However, the explosion during the trials casts doubt on the reliability of these weapons, which was laid on high hopes in the Russian army.
This accident can be a serious blow to Russian military ambitions, since the PC-28 Sarmat was considered one of the key components of Russia's nuclear containment. Such a failure can raise additional questions about the readiness of this system for the use and ability of the Russian defense industry to maintain a strategic arsenal at the proper level.
