Renewed Testing Plans for Strategic Weapon
- According to multiple media reports, Russia is set to conduct fresh tests of its 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, a unique and highly debated weapon in its strategic arsenal.
- The missile, unveiled by the Russian President in 2018, is one of six advanced strategic weapons under development.
About the Burevestnik Missile
- Burevestnik, meaning “storm petrel” in Russian, is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
- Codenamed “SSC-X-9 Skyfall” by NATO, it is powered by a small nuclear reactor, which heats air to generate thrust.
- This nuclear propulsion system allows it to potentially fly around the globe multiple times before striking its target.
Key Features and Strategic Significance
- The missile has an estimated range of up to 22,000 km (14,000 miles) and can fly at very low altitudes, making it more difficult for air defence radar to detect.
- Its extended range and stealth profile present significant challenges to conventional missile defence systems, reinforcing its role as a strategic deterrent in modern warfare.