Russia has tested the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, Moscow's top general has stated. We have launched a multi-hour flight of a nuclear-powered missile and it covered a 14,000km (8,700-mile) distance, which is not the limit, Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov told President Vladimir Putin in a televised meeting.
The low-flying experimental weapon, first announced in 2018, has been touted for its potentially unlimited range and its ability to evade missile defenses. Western analysts previously voiced doubts regarding its strategic value and questioned Russian claims about successful testing.
Putin indicated that a final successful test of the weapon had occurred in 2023, although this assertion remains unverified. Of at least 13 tests, only two reportedly demonstrated partial success since 2016, as reported by an arms control advocacy group.
General Gerasimov specified that the missile remained airborne for 15 hours during its latest test conducted on October 21. He noted that the missile's vertical and horizontal maneuverability were tested and met specifications, as per Russia's Tass news agency.
Therefore, it demonstrated high capabilities to bypass missile and air defense systems, Gerasimov stated. The utility of the missile has prompted significant debate in military and defense circles since its inception. A report from the US Air Force's National Air and Space Intelligence Center in 2021 determined that a nuclear-powered cruise missile could afford Russia unmatched intercontinental range capability.
Nonetheless, as the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) mentioned, Russia faces substantial hurdles in making the weapon operational. Its integration into Russia's arsenal might rely on overcoming considerable technical challenges associated with the dependable operation of the nuclear propulsion mechanism, reported IISS analysts.
Flight testing has faced numerous failures, including incidents causing fatalities. A Russian military journal cited by IISS claims the missile boasts a possible range between 10,000km and 20,000km, potentially enabling it to target the continental US from anywhere in Russia.
The missile, designated Skyfall by NATO, is believed to harness a nuclear reactor activated post-launch via solid propellant. An investigation by Reuters last year identified a launch facility approximately 475km north of Moscow wherein satellite imagery indicated the construction of nine new horizontal launch pads.
