Russia Announces Effective Trial of Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Missile

Russia has tested the reactor-driven Burevestnik long-range missile, as stated by the nation's senior general.

"We have executed a extended flight of a nuclear-powered missile and it traveled a 14,000km distance, which is not the ultimate range," Senior Military Leader the general told the Russian leader in a broadcast conference.

The low-flying prototype missile, initially revealed in 2018, has been portrayed as having a potentially unlimited range and the capability to avoid defensive systems.

Western experts have earlier expressed skepticism over the projectile's tactical importance and the nation's statements of having effectively trialed it.

The national leader declared that a "last accomplished trial" of the weapon had been held in the previous year, but the claim lacked outside validation. Of at least 13 known tests, only two had partial success since several years ago, according to an arms control campaign group.

Gen Gerasimov said the missile was in the atmosphere for 15 hours during the test on 21 October.

He said the weapon's altitude and course adjustments were tested and were confirmed as complying with standards, according to a domestic media outlet.

"Consequently, it displayed advanced abilities to circumvent defensive networks," the outlet stated the general as saying.

The weapon's usefulness has been the subject of heated controversy in defence and strategic sectors since it was originally disclosed in the past decade.

A previous study by a US Air Force intelligence center concluded: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would provide the nation a unique weapon with worldwide reach potential."

However, as an international strategic institute noted the corresponding time, Russia faces considerable difficulties in making the weapon viable.

"Its integration into the state's inventory arguably hinges not only on overcoming the considerable technical challenge of guaranteeing the reliable performance of the reactor drive mechanism," specialists noted.

"There have been multiple unsuccessful trials, and an incident leading to several deaths."

A military journal cited in the report claims the projectile has a operational radius of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, enabling "the projectile to be based anywhere in Russia and still be able to target targets in the United States mainland."

The same journal also notes the missile can operate as low as 164 to 328 feet above the earth, causing complexity for aerial protection systems to intercept.

The missile, designated Skyfall by a foreign security organization, is believed to be driven by a atomic power source, which is designed to commence operation after primary launch mechanisms have propelled it into the air.

An investigation by a news agency last year located a site a considerable distance from the city as the possible firing point of the armament.

Utilizing satellite imagery from the recent past, an specialist reported to the agency he had observed nine horizontal launch pads in development at the location.

Connected News

• Head of State Endorses Amendments to Strategic Guidelines