Russia Announces Successful Evaluation of Reactor-Driven Burevestnik Cruise Missile

Moscow has trialed the atomic-propelled Burevestnik long-range missile, according to the nation's senior general.

"We have conducted a extended flight of a reactor-driven projectile and it traveled a 14,000km distance, which is not the ultimate range," Senior Military Leader Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin in a broadcast conference.

The low-altitude experimental weapon, initially revealed in the past decade, has been portrayed as having a potentially unlimited range and the capacity to evade anti-missile technology.

Foreign specialists have previously cast doubt over the projectile's tactical importance and the nation's statements of having successfully tested it.

The national leader stated that a "last accomplished trial" of the armament had been conducted in 2023, but the claim was not externally confirmed. Of at least 13 known tests, only two had moderate achievement since several years ago, according to an arms control campaign group.

Gen Gerasimov stated the projectile was in the atmosphere for fifteen hours during the evaluation on October 21.

He noted the missile's vertical and horizontal manoeuvring were assessed and were confirmed as up to specification, based on a national news agency.

"Therefore, it displayed high capabilities to evade anti-missile and aerial protection," the news agency stated the official as saying.

The projectile's application has been the focus of vigorous discussion in defence and strategic sectors since it was originally disclosed in 2018.

A recent analysis by a US Air Force intelligence center concluded: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would give Russia a singular system with global strike capacity."

However, as an international strategic institute commented the corresponding time, the nation faces significant challenges in making the weapon viable.

"Its induction into the state's arsenal arguably hinges not only on overcoming the considerable technical challenge of securing the dependable functioning of the nuclear-propulsion unit," experts stated.

"There have been numerous flight-test failures, and a mishap resulting in a number of casualties."

A defence publication quoted in the analysis asserts the projectile has a operational radius of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, permitting "the missile to be deployed throughout the nation and still be capable to target goals in the American territory."

The identical publication also explains the projectile can travel as close to the ground as 50 to 100 metres above ground, making it difficult for defensive networks to stop.

The missile, code-named an operational name by a foreign security organization, is thought to be propelled by a reactor system, which is designed to engage after primary launch mechanisms have sent it into the sky.

An examination by a news agency recently identified a location a considerable distance above the capital as the likely launch site of the armament.

Utilizing space-based photos from August 2024, an specialist informed the outlet he had identified nine horizontal launch pads in development at the site.

Related Developments

• Head of State Endorses Revisions to Nuclear Doctrine