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Russia Tests “Unlimited-Range” Burevestnik Nuclear Missile. Here’s What We Know
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia successfully tested its nuclear-powered cruise missile Burevestnik—known to NATO as SSC-X-9 Skyfall—during a recent strategic forces exercise.
According to Russian media, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov briefed Putin on October 21 about what he described as a “successful” test. The missile allegedly traveled around 14,000 kilometers and demonstrated the ability to evade missile defense systems.
Putin called the Burevestnik a “unique weapon unmatched by any other country” and said it had shown the capacity to bypass modern air-defense systems. However, he added that the missile still requires significant work before it can be placed on combat duty.
“We need to determine possible methods of deployment and begin preparing the infrastructure to house this system in our armed forces,” Putin said.
According to the briefing, the test flight lasted approximately 15 hours. Gerasimov claimed the missile’s performance confirmed its range and precision, calling it a “key component” of Russia’s nuclear deterrent strategy.
Putin added that the test once again “proved the reliability of Russia’s nuclear shield” and instructed the Defense Ministry to explore operational scenarios for the missile’s future use. There is no independent confirmation of the test.
The Burevestnik is designed to use a small nuclear reactor as a propulsion source, theoretically giving it an unlimited range. Western arms-control experts, however, have long questioned both its technical feasibility and strategic value.
According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Russia has conducted at least 13 known Burevestnik test launches, of which only two were considered partially successful. Analysts warn that the missile could pose environmental and safety risks due to potential radiation leakage during flight.
Earlier, Russia’s Defense Ministry placed a $100 million order for 56 units of the 3M-14S Kalibr cruise missile—a nuclear-capable variant—scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. According to the CSIS Missile Threat project, the Kalibr has a range of up to 2,500 km and is a key component of Russia’s naval strike arsenal.
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-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
