Russia Reports Accomplished Trial of Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Missile

The nation has evaluated the atomic-propelled Burevestnik cruise missile, according to the nation's leading commander.

"We have executed a extended flight of a atomic-propelled weapon and it covered a 14,000km distance, which is not the limit," Senior Military Leader the general informed the head of state in a televised meeting.

The low-altitude experimental weapon, initially revealed in the past decade, has been described as having a potentially unlimited range and the capability to avoid missile defences.

Foreign specialists have previously cast doubt over the missile's strategic value and Russian claims of having effectively trialed it.

The president declared that a "last accomplished trial" of the weapon had been conducted in 2023, but the claim could not be independently verified. Of over a dozen recorded evaluations, only two had limited accomplishment since several years ago, according to an disarmament advocacy body.

Gen Gerasimov reported the missile was in the air for fifteen hours during the test on 21 October.

He said the projectile's ascent and directional control were assessed and were found to be meeting requirements, as per a national news agency.

"As a result, it demonstrated high capabilities to bypass anti-missile and aerial protection," the outlet stated the official as saying.

The missile's utility has been the focus of vigorous discussion in armed forces and security communities since it was initially revealed in recent years.

A previous study by a foreign defence research body stated: "A reactor-driven long-range projectile would provide the nation a unique weapon with worldwide reach potential."

However, as an international strategic institute observed the identical period, Russia faces considerable difficulties in achieving operational status.

"Its integration into the nation's stockpile likely depends not only on overcoming the substantial engineering obstacle of guaranteeing the dependable functioning of the atomic power system," experts wrote.

"There were several flawed evaluations, and an incident causing several deaths."

A armed forces periodical referenced in the analysis claims the projectile has a flight distance of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, permitting "the missile to be stationed throughout the nation and still be capable to target targets in the continental US."

The same journal also notes the missile can travel as at minimal altitude as 164 to 328 feet above the surface, making it difficult for air defences to engage.

The missile, designated an operational name by a foreign security organization, is thought to be powered by a atomic power source, which is intended to engage after primary launch mechanisms have propelled it into the atmosphere.

An investigation by a reporting service last year identified a location a considerable distance above the capital as the probable deployment area of the missile.

Employing satellite imagery from August 2024, an analyst reported to the service he had detected several deployment sites being built at the site.

Related Developments

• President Authorizes Modifications to Strategic Guidelines