Russia Successfully Tests Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Cruise Missile

Russia Confirms Successful Burevestnik Missile Test

The Russian Federation has announced the successful testing of its advanced nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, known by NATO as SSC-X-9 Skyfall. President Vladimir Putin confirmed the completion of 'decisive tests' for the weapon, which he described as a 'unique creation that no one else in the world possesses'.

The test, which took place on October 21, saw the missile fly an impressive 14,000 kilometers (approximately 8,700 miles) over a period of about 15 hours. This information was conveyed to President Putin by General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of Russia's Armed Forces, during a briefing.

Advanced Capabilities and Strategic Implications

According to General Gerasimov, the extended flight demonstrated the Burevestnik's 'high capabilities for evading anti-missile and air defense systems' and confirmed its 'unlimited range'. The missile's nuclear propulsion system is designed to provide sustained flight, allowing it to maintain a low altitude and an unpredictable flight path to bypass existing and future missile defense networks.

President Putin emphasized the strategic importance of the Burevestnik, stating that its technical characteristics allow it 'to be used with guaranteed precision against highly protected sites located at any distance'. Following the successful test, Putin instructed the military to begin preparing the necessary 'infrastructure to put this weapon into service in the Russian armed forces'.

Background and International Scrutiny

The Burevestnik missile, designated 9M730, was first unveiled by President Putin in 2018 as one of six new strategic weapons systems. Its development has been marked by a controversial history, including a deadly accident in 2019 near Nyonoksa during a recovery mission involving an 'isotope energy source', which raised concerns about environmental and safety risks.

While Russian officials hail the recent test as a significant technological achievement, some Western experts continue to debate the missile's operational reliability and military practicality. Concerns persist regarding potential radiation leakage during flight and the missile's subsonic speed, which some analysts suggest could make it detectable despite claims of invulnerability.