Moscow Announces Accomplished Trial of Atomic-Propelled Burevestnik Weapon

Russia has tested the nuclear-powered Burevestnik long-range missile, as reported by the country's leading commander.

"We have executed a multi-hour flight of a reactor-driven projectile and it covered a 14,000km distance, which is not the ultimate range," Senior Military Leader the commander reported to President Vladimir Putin in a public appearance.

The low-altitude prototype missile, originally disclosed in the past decade, has been described as having a theoretically endless flight path and the ability to avoid missile defences.

International analysts have previously cast doubt over the weapon's military utility and Moscow's assertions of having effectively trialed it.

The head of state declared that a "final successful test" of the weapon had been carried out in 2023, but the assertion lacked outside validation. Of at least 13 known tests, only two had partial success since several years ago, according to an non-proliferation organization.

The military leader said the missile was in the atmosphere for a significant duration during the evaluation on October 21.

He explained the projectile's ascent and directional control were assessed and were confirmed as meeting requirements, according to a national news agency.

"Therefore, it demonstrated high capabilities to bypass missile and air defence systems," the outlet quoted the commander as saying.

The missile's utility has been the focus of heated controversy in defence and strategic sectors since it was first announced in 2018.

A recent analysis by a US Air Force intelligence center stated: "An atomic-propelled strategic weapon would offer Moscow a unique weapon with worldwide reach potential."

Yet, as a foreign policy research organization commented the same year, Moscow encounters considerable difficulties in achieving operational status.

"Its entry into the country's stockpile arguably hinges not only on resolving the significant development hurdle of ensuring the reliable performance of the reactor drive mechanism," analysts noted.

"There were numerous flight-test failures, and an accident resulting in a number of casualties."

A defence publication referenced in the report claims the weapon has a operational radius of between 10,000 and 20,000km, allowing "the missile to be based throughout the nation and still be able to strike objectives in the United States mainland."

The same journal also says the weapon can fly as close to the ground as 164 to 328 feet above ground, making it difficult for air defences to stop.

The projectile, designated Skyfall by a Western alliance, is considered driven by a nuclear reactor, which is intended to activate after solid fuel rocket boosters have launched it into the sky.

An examination by a reporting service last year pinpointed a site 475km above the capital as the likely launch site of the missile.

Employing space-based photos from August 2024, an analyst reported to the service he had identified several deployment sites under construction at the site.

Related Developments

• Head of State Endorses Amendments to Nuclear Doctrine