Putin tests new ‘invisible’ nuclear-powered missile with unlimited range

Putin tests new ‘invisible’ nuclear-powered missile with unlimited range

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the successful test launch of a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik, which NATO has dubbed “Skyfall.”

During a visit to a Russian military command post, Putin described the missile as a “weapon of unlimited range powered by a nuclear engine,” adding that it would soon be ready for deployment.

He hailed the test as a major milestone in nuclear weapons technology, declaring the Burevestnik “a truly unique system that no other country in the world possesses,” and touting it as “invincible” against current and future missile defense systems.

According to Russia’s top military officer, General Valery Gerasimov, the missile covered 14,000 kilometres in 15 hours during its latest test. The Burevestnik, measuring about 12 metres in length, is believed to be capable of carrying a thermonuclear warhead and designed for long-range, intercontinental missions.

The missile, dubbed the “Flying Chernobyl” by Western analysts, has been widely criticised for its potential environmental and safety risks due to its nuclear propulsion system. Former U.S. State Department official Thomas Countryman once called it “a uniquely stupid weapon system,” arguing it poses “more threat to Russia than to any other country” because of the radioactive trail it leaves behind.

The Burevestnik’s development has been marred by technical failures and delays. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), there have been at least 13 known test attempts since 2016, with only two partial successes. One of the most serious setbacks occurred in 2019, when a prototype exploded during a recovery operation, reportedly killing several engineers and releasing radiation.

Despite these issues, Putin claimed the weapon is now in its final development stage and will soon be ready for front-line deployment. He described it as one of six “super weapons” unveiled by Russia in 2018, alongside the Sarmat (Satan-2) intercontinental ballistic missile, Zircon and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, the Avangard glide vehicle, and the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone.

Named after the Russian word for “storm petrel,” the Burevestnik is said to have an “unlimited range and manoeuvrability.” U.S. military analysts believe it is powered by a miniaturised nuclear reactor, theoretically enabling it to fly around the world multiple times before striking its target. Its extremely low-altitude flight path could allow it to evade most radar and missile defence systems.

Western intelligence agencies have expressed scepticism about the missile’s readiness, noting that its long-term stability and control remain uncertain. Nonetheless, satellite imagery analysed by U.S. researchers last year identified what appeared to be the missile’s secret launch site in Vologda, northern Russia.

The announcement comes amid renewed escalation in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said that 26 people, including six children, were injured in overnight airstrikes on Kyiv, while three people were killed and 29 injured in other regions. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that in the past week alone, Russia had launched 1,200 drones, 1,360 bombs, and 50 missiles in continued bombardments across the country.