by Kevin Hughes, Natural News:
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- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the completion of testing for Russia’s nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, claiming it is “unique” and “invincible” with unlimited range due to its miniature nuclear reactor.
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- The missile’s reactor is 1,000 times smaller than a submarine reactor but comparable in output, enabling rapid activation (seconds/minutes vs. hours/days) and extended flight (15+ hours, 14,000 km in latest test).
- Designed to evade defenses by flying low (50-100m) with erratic paths, the Burevestnik can loiter for days before striking. Putin emphasized its potential for military deployment, though Western analysts doubt its practicality.
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- Previous failures included a 2019 explosion that killed nuclear scientists and caused radiation leaks. Despite setbacks, Putin declared the October 2023 test a success, signaling readiness for operational use.
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- The announcement coincides with heightened tensions; Trump criticized the timing amid Ukraine peace talks. Russia followed with large-scale nuclear drills, reinforcing its nuclear triad. Analysts speculate the missile may serve as propaganda or a deterrent, given existing ICBM capabilities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent shockwaves through global defense circles with the announcement of a successful final test of Russia’s nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile – a weapon he claims is “unique” and “invincible.”
BrightU.AI‘s Enoch notes that Burevestnik is one of several hypersonic weapons under development by Russia. It is powered by a small nuclear reactor, which provides it with virtually unlimited range and endurance. This is a significant departure from conventional cruise missiles, which are typically powered by jet engines and have a limited range.
The missile represents a significant leap in military technology, though experts remain divided on its strategic practicality. Putin revealed key details about the Burevestnik’s miniature nuclear reactor, describing it as a technological marvel.
“The missile’s reactor is comparable in output with a reactor of a nuclear-propelled submarine, but it’s 1,000 times smaller,” Putin said during a meeting with wounded soldiers. “But the key thing is that where a regular reactor needs hours, days or weeks to go online, this one launches in minutes or seconds.”
This miniaturization allows the Burevestnik to remain airborne for extended periods – reportedly up to 15 hours in its latest test, covering 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles). Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s Chief of General Staff, confirmed the missile’s performance, stating: “That’s not the limit.”
Unlimited range, unpredictable flight path
First unveiled in 2018, the Burevestnik – designated by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall – is designed to evade existing missile defense systems by flying at extremely low altitudes (50 to 100 meters) and taking unpredictable flight paths. Unlike traditional cruise missiles limited by fuel capacity, its nuclear propulsion theoretically allows it to loiter for days, striking targets at will.
Putin emphasized its strategic advantage: “We need to determine the possible uses and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying these weapons to our armed forces.” However, Western analysts remain skeptical.
Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear nonproliferation expert, argued on X that “NATO aircraft could intercept it.” Pavel Podvig of the Russian Nuclear Forces Project told the Moscow Times that while the missile’s range is impressive, “it’s difficult to see a practical role for such a weapon.”
