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 distance of 14,000km (8,700 miles), which is not the limit,' Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported during a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The low-flying experimental weapon, first announced in 2018, boasts an allegedly unlimited range and capabilities to evade missile defenses. However, Western experts have consistently questioned its strategic value and the validity of Russian claims regarding its successful testing.
Putin noted a 'final successful test' in 2023, but this assertion remains unverified. Of at least 13 recorded tests, only two have been deemed partially successful since 2016, according to an arms control organization. Gen Gerasimov cited the missile's performance during the recent test, stating it was airborne for 15 hours and successfully demonstrated its maneuvering abilities. The missile is said to have features that enable it to bypass air defense systems effectively.
The utility of the Burevestnik has been debated heavily in military circles since its introduction. A report from the US Air Force suggests such a nuclear-powered cruise missile would afford Russia unique capabilities, yet experts warn of significant technical challenges that may hinder its operational reliability. Furthermore, references to past flight-test failures and incidents causing casualties highlight ongoing concerns regarding its development.
Russia's military publications claim the Burevestnik can strike targets across continents, reinforcing its strategic implications, while ongoing construction of launch facilities has been noted through satellite imagery. The missile, codenamed Skyfall by NATO, utilizes a nuclear reactor that activates post-launch from rocket boosters, augmenting its threat profile significantly. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the effectiveness and development of this missile remain pivotal areas for observation.
Putin noted a 'final successful test' in 2023, but this assertion remains unverified. Of at least 13 recorded tests, only two have been deemed partially successful since 2016, according to an arms control organization. Gen Gerasimov cited the missile's performance during the recent test, stating it was airborne for 15 hours and successfully demonstrated its maneuvering abilities. The missile is said to have features that enable it to bypass air defense systems effectively.
The utility of the Burevestnik has been debated heavily in military circles since its introduction. A report from the US Air Force suggests such a nuclear-powered cruise missile would afford Russia unique capabilities, yet experts warn of significant technical challenges that may hinder its operational reliability. Furthermore, references to past flight-test failures and incidents causing casualties highlight ongoing concerns regarding its development.
Russia's military publications claim the Burevestnik can strike targets across continents, reinforcing its strategic implications, while ongoing construction of launch facilities has been noted through satellite imagery. The missile, codenamed Skyfall by NATO, utilizes a nuclear reactor that activates post-launch from rocket boosters, augmenting its threat profile significantly. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the effectiveness and development of this missile remain pivotal areas for observation.
