Russia faces persistent production delays for RS-28 Sarmat ICBM

Russia has repeatedly missed internal deadlines for the operational deployment of the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, with the latest 2026 target following failed projections for 2022 and 2023. Internal documentation suggests systemic industrial challenges in the defense sector are hindering the weapon's transition to active service. The recurring delays indicate a significant gap between official Kremlin rhetoric and actual military capability.