Russia has successfully tested a new cruise missile armed with nuclear capabilities and powered by a nuclear engine designed to evade existing defense systems, President Vladimir Putin revealed in a statement released on Sunday. The development of the Burevestnik missile, after undergoing extensive testing, is part of Russia’s strategic messaging on nuclear capabilities amid tensions over Ukraine and warnings to NATO allies against potential strikes deep inside Russia using advanced Western weaponry.
In a video released by the Kremlin, Putin, dressed in military attire, received a briefing from Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s chief of general staff, who reported that the Burevestnik missile had traveled 14,000 kilometers during a recent critical test. Gerasimov noted that the missile, known as the “storm petrel” in Russian, flew for 15 hours using nuclear power, emphasizing that its capabilities extend beyond the demonstrated test.
The specifics of the Burevestnik remain largely undisclosed, with NATO codenaming it Skyfall. Western experts have expressed skepticism due to concerns about the reliability of a nuclear engine in such a missile. Putin initially announced the development of the weapon during his 2018 state-of-the-nation address, claiming it would possess an unlimited range, making it undetectable by existing missile defense systems as it could circumnavigate the globe.
Despite the secrecy surrounding the Burevestnik, reports indicate that the missile faced a setback in August 2019 when it experienced an explosion during testing, resulting in casualties and a brief spike in radioactivity. While the U.S. attributed the incident to the Burevestnik, Russian officials did not confirm the specifics at the time.
Putin instructed military officials to prepare for the deployment of the Burevestnik to the armed forces, highlighting its perceived invulnerability to current and future missile defense systems due to its nearly unlimited range and unpredictable flight path. A top aide to Putin described the Burevestnik as a groundbreaking weapon class following successful testing.
The recent missile testing coincided with Russia’s military drills involving strategic nuclear forces, including missile launches and exercises with Moscow’s nuclear triad components. The drills showcased various capabilities, such as intercontinental ballistic missile launches and cruise missile firings from strategic bombers.
Meanwhile, amid escalating tensions, Russia conducted drone attacks targeting Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties and prompting calls for Western assistance. The attacks in Kyiv claimed lives and caused injuries, escalating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Ukraine’s government appealed for additional defense systems following the attacks.