Russia tested new nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile

Russia has successfully carried out a test of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, a weapon President Vladimir Putin claims can evade any defence system and now plans to move towards its deployment, he said on Sunday.

According to Russia’s top military commander, General Valery Gerasimov, the missile flew some 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles) and remained airborne for about 15 hours during the test on 21 October.

Moscow describes the 9M730 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel), known by NATO as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall as an “invincible” system with an almost unlimited range and an unpredictable flight path, capable of outmanoeuvring any existing or future missile defences.

“It is a unique weapon, one that no other country possesses,” Putin said, dressed in camouflage during a meeting with senior generals overseeing operations in Ukraine. He noted that while some Russian experts had once doubted the missile could ever be developed, its “crucial testing” phase had now been completed.

Putin instructed Gerasimov to determine how the weapon should be classified and to begin preparing the necessary infrastructure for its deployment. Gerasimov confirmed the missile had flown using nuclear propulsion, adding that the most recent test was distinct because of its exceptionally long flight, despite its range being effectively unlimited.

Earlier in the week, Putin oversaw exercises involving Russia’s strategic nuclear forces across land, sea, and air to assess their readiness and command coordination. “The modernity of our nuclear deterrence forces is at the highest level,” he said, “higher than that of any other nuclear power.”

Russia and the United States together hold around 87% of the world’s nuclear arsenal, enough to destroy the planet multiple times. According to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), Russia possesses 5,459 nuclear warheads, while the United States has 5,177.

“The strategic forces are fully capable of ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation and the Union State,” Putin added.

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