On 26 October, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful test of the nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missile named Burevestnik.
Key Highlights:
- Missile Features:
- Official designation: 9M730 Burevestnik (Storm Petrel).
- NATO codename: SSC-X-9 Skyfall.
- Claimed to have “unlimited range” and an unpredictable flight path, making it invincible to current and future missile defence systems.
- Powered by a nuclear propulsion system, allowing it to remain airborne for extended periods.
- Test Details:
- During recent nuclear force drills, the missile reportedly flew for 15 hours and covered 14,000 kilometres.
- Putin ordered the military to prepare infrastructure for the missile’s deployment.
- Strategic Significance:
- Designed to bypass missile defence networks and enhance Russia’s strategic deterrent.
- Part of Moscow’s next-generation weapons program unveiled in 2018, aimed at maintaining strategic parity with the U.S. and NATO.
Source: TH
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