Russia Announces Effective Evaluation of Reactor-Driven Storm Petrel Cruise Missile

Russia has tested the atomic-propelled Burevestnik strategic weapon, as reported by the state's senior general.

"We have launched a prolonged flight of a atomic-propelled weapon and it traversed a 8,700-mile distance, which is not the maximum," Top Army Official Valery Gerasimov informed the Russian leader in a broadcast conference.

The low-flying experimental weapon, originally disclosed in 2018, has been portrayed as having a possible global reach and the ability to avoid anti-missile technology.

International analysts have in the past questioned over the projectile's tactical importance and the nation's statements of having accomplished its evaluation.

The national leader declared that a "final successful test" of the weapon had been held in the previous year, but the statement was not externally confirmed. Of at least 13 known tests, just two instances had limited accomplishment since the mid-2010s, according to an non-proliferation organization.

The military leader reported the projectile was in the air for fifteen hours during the trial on October 21.

He said the projectile's ascent and directional control were evaluated and were determined to be meeting requirements, based on a national news agency.

"As a result, it demonstrated high capabilities to circumvent missile and air defence systems," the news agency stated the official as saying.

The missile's utility has been the topic of intense debate in armed forces and security communities since it was first announced in recent years.

A 2021 report by a American military analysis unit determined: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would give Russia a singular system with intercontinental range capability."

Nonetheless, as an international strategic institute observed the identical period, the nation faces major obstacles in developing a functional system.

"Its induction into the nation's arsenal likely depends not only on resolving the considerable technical challenge of securing the reliable performance of the atomic power system," experts stated.

"There have been numerous flight-test failures, and an accident leading to several deaths."

A armed forces periodical referenced in the analysis states the projectile has a range of between 10,000 and 20,000km, permitting "the weapon to be stationed across the country and still be equipped to target goals in the United States mainland."

The corresponding source also says the missile can fly as low as 50 to 100 metres above the earth, making it difficult for air defences to stop.

The weapon, referred to as an operational name by a foreign security organization, is considered driven by a nuclear reactor, which is designed to commence operation after initial propulsion units have launched it into the atmosphere.

An investigation by a news agency the previous year located a facility a considerable distance from the city as the probable deployment area of the armament.

Utilizing space-based photos from last summer, an specialist told the agency he had observed several deployment sites in development at the site.

Related Developments

• National Leader Approves Revisions to Nuclear Doctrine