KRASNOYARSK, June 24. /TASS/. Test launches of the advanced Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) will be conducted in the third quarter of 2021, Krasmash Director General Alexander Gavrilov told TASS on Thursday.

"The first test launches will be conducted this year. They are scheduled for the third quarter," he said.

Sources in Russia’s defense sector and close to the defense ministry told TASS earlier the first Sarmat test launch was planned for the third quarter 2021. According to the sources, state trials of Sarmat are due to begin in 2022, with first regiment entering combat service at the end of the year.

Sarmat is to replace R-36M2 Voevoda missiles, which have been the most powerful in the world and operational since 1970s. Sarmat considerably exceeds the predecessor. Some of its characteristics were disclosed at Army-2019 forum. The new missile weighs 208.1 tons, the payload is close to 10 tons and the fuel is 178 tons. The range of Sarmat is 18,000 kilometers.

It can fly by unpredictable routes and bypass missile defense areas. It can fly over the North and South Pole and approach targets from directions that are not envisaged for interception. Sarmat can carry a line of reentry vehicles, including hypersonic Avangard gliders.

Military experts say that Sarmat missiles will help deter the United States’ plans od deploying its global missile defense system.