Russia Announces Effective Trial of Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Weapon

Russia has tested the nuclear-powered Burevestnik strategic weapon, according to the country's top military official.

"We have conducted a extended flight of a atomic-propelled weapon and it traversed a 8,700-mile distance, which is not the ultimate range," Senior Military Leader Valery Gerasimov informed the head of state in a broadcast conference.

The low-flying prototype missile, first announced in 2018, has been described as having a theoretically endless flight path and the capability to bypass anti-missile technology.

International analysts have in the past questioned over the weapon's military utility and the nation's statements of having successfully tested it.

The national leader said that a "last accomplished trial" of the weapon had been conducted in the previous year, but the statement lacked outside validation. Of at least 13 known tests, only two had moderate achievement since several years ago, according to an disarmament advocacy body.

Gen Gerasimov stated the missile was in the atmosphere for a significant duration during the test on October 21.

He noted the projectile's ascent and directional control were evaluated and were found to be meeting requirements, according to a national news agency.

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

The weapon's usefulness has been the focus of intense debate in defence and strategic sectors since it was initially revealed in the past decade.

A previous study by a American military analysis unit concluded: "An atomic-propelled strategic weapon would give Russia a unique weapon with intercontinental range capability."

Nonetheless, as an international strategic institute observed the corresponding time, the nation confronts major obstacles in developing a functional system.

"Its integration into the state's inventory arguably hinges not only on surmounting the substantial engineering obstacle of ensuring the dependable functioning of the reactor drive mechanism," analysts wrote.

"There have been several flawed evaluations, and a mishap leading to several deaths."

A armed forces periodical cited in the analysis asserts the projectile has a operational radius of between a substantial span, permitting "the projectile to be stationed throughout the nation and still be able to reach objectives in the American territory."

The identical publication also says the weapon can travel as low as a very low elevation above the surface, making it difficult for defensive networks to engage.

The missile, referred to as Skyfall by a Western alliance, is considered powered by a nuclear reactor, which is intended to engage after primary launch mechanisms have launched it into the air.

An examination by a news agency the previous year identified a location 475km north of Moscow as the likely launch site of the missile.

Using satellite imagery from the recent past, an analyst informed the service he had detected nine horizontal launch pads under construction at the location.

Associated Updates

• National Leader Approves Modifications to Nuclear Doctrine