During a comprehensive address encompassing various topics, including nuclear armament and global diplomacy, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a significant announcement regarding the successful testing of the “Burevestnik” missile, alternately designated as “Skyfall” by NATO. This revolutionary nuclear-powered missile has ignited intense interest and apprehension within the international community.
President Putin initially introduced the missile concept in 2018, underlining its strategic importance within Russia’s military arsenal. The “Burevestnik” is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile, renowned for its nuclear propulsion system, enabling prolonged airborne capability and the capacity to traverse vast distances.
A notable attribute that sets the “Burevestnik” apart is its nuclear propulsion, which empowers it to remain aloft for extended periods and traverse substantial distances.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies posited in 2021 that the “Burevestnik” missile could theoretically cover ranges of up to 20,000 kilometers, theoretically making it capable of targeting various locations within the United States from multiple positions across Russia.
Moreover, this missile operates at a low altitude of 50-100 meters, rendering it a challenging target for air-defense radar systems.
In 2020, the United States Air Force’s National Air and Space Intelligence Center recognized the missile’s potential, asserting that its deployment would bestow Russia with a “unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability.”
However, the development of the “Burevestnik” missile has presented formidable challenges for Russian nuclear scientists. Reports of test failures have surfaced, notably an incident in 2019, entailing an explosion and radiation release during an experiment in the White Sea, resulting in the tragic loss of five Russian nuclear specialists.
Consequently, experts have raised pertinent concerns regarding the missile’s reliability and the anticipated timeline for deployment. Some estimates suggest it may take up to a decade before the “Burevestnik” becomes operational.