Russia Announces Effective Evaluation of Atomic-Propelled Burevestnik Cruise Missile
The nation has evaluated the atomic-propelled Burevestnik cruise missile, as stated by the nation's leading commander.
"We have executed a prolonged flight of a nuclear-powered missile and it covered a 14,000km distance, which is not the ultimate range," Chief of General Staff the commander informed President Vladimir Putin in a televised meeting.
The low-flying advanced armament, initially revealed in the past decade, has been described as having a potentially unlimited range and the ability to evade defensive systems.
International analysts have in the past questioned over the projectile's tactical importance and the nation's statements of having successfully tested it.
The head of state stated that a "final successful test" of the missile had been conducted in 2023, but the claim could not be independently verified. Of at least 13 known tests, only two had moderate achievement since the mid-2010s, based on an disarmament advocacy body.
Gen Gerasimov stated the projectile was in the sky for a significant duration during the trial on the specified date.
He explained the weapon's altitude and course adjustments were tested and were found to be meeting requirements, according to a domestic media outlet.
"Consequently, it exhibited high capabilities to circumvent missile and air defence systems," the outlet quoted the general as saying.
The projectile's application has been the topic of intense debate in defence and strategic sectors since it was first announced in the past decade.
A previous study by a US Air Force intelligence center determined: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would give Russia a singular system with worldwide reach potential."
However, as an international strategic institute observed the identical period, Moscow confronts major obstacles in achieving operational status.
"Its integration into the state's stockpile likely depends not only on overcoming the significant development hurdle of guaranteeing the reliable performance of the nuclear-propulsion unit," experts stated.
"There were multiple unsuccessful trials, and a mishap leading to multiple fatalities."
A armed forces periodical quoted in the study asserts the projectile has a flight distance of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, allowing "the missile to be deployed across the country and still be able to target objectives in the continental US."
The corresponding source also says the missile can fly as close to the ground as 50 to 100 metres above ground, making it difficult for aerial protection systems to stop.
The projectile, designated Skyfall by an international defence pact, is believed to be powered by a nuclear reactor, which is designed to engage after solid fuel rocket boosters have launched it into the atmosphere.
An investigation by a news agency recently located a location 475km from the city as the possible firing point of the weapon.
Employing orbital photographs from August 2024, an expert reported to the agency he had observed nine horizontal launch pads under construction at the location.
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