Russia Successfully Tests ‘Invincible’ Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile
Russia has announced the successful conclusion of the final test of its next-generation strategic cruise missile, the Burevestnik (NATO designation: SSC-X-9 Skyfall).
The nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable weapon, which President Vladimir Putin claims is “unique” and capable of evading any defence system, has immediately heightened global tensions and signaled a significant escalation in the ongoing arms race.
The test, which reportedly took place on October 21st, was announced by the Kremlin over the weekend, with Russian officials now preparing for the missile’s deployment.
Unlimited Range’ and New Strategic Calculus
The defining characteristic of the Burevestnik is its nuclear propulsion system, which effectively grants it a near-unlimited operational range—a feature that analysts say could dramatically alter strategic planning.
Test Claims and Military Capabilities
According to General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, the missile successfully completed its “crucial testing” on October 21st. Gen. Gerasimov reported that the Burevestnik flew approximately 14,000 kilometres (8,700 miles) and remained airborne for nearly 15 hours, powered by its nuclear engine.
• Evasion: Russian officials boast that the missile is “invincible” due to its ability to sustain flight for days and take unpredictable, low-altitude flight paths, making interception by current and future missile defence systems exceptionally difficult.
• Deployment Ordered: Following the test report, President Putin instructed Gen. Gerasimov to prepare the necessary infrastructure for deploying the Burevestnik, declaring that Russia’s nuclear deterrent forces are now at the “highest level.”
A Counter to Western Defences
The Burevestnik is one of several advanced strategic weapons unveiled by President Putin in 2018. It was developed primarily as an intended counter to US and NATO missile defence systems, which Moscow views as a threat to its assured second-strike capability.
By being able to loiter globally and strike from unexpected directions, the missile aims to restore the principle of “Mutually Assured Destruction” at a time of strained East-West relations.
International Condemnation and Environmental Concerns
The announcement has drawn swift reactions from Western capitals and renewed concerns over nuclear proliferation risks.
US Rebukes Moscow
Speaking from his ongoing Asia tour, US President Donald Trump publicly rebuked the announcement, calling the missile test “not appropriate.”
President Trump urged the Russian leader to instead focus on ending the conflict in Ukraine, stating, “You ought to get the war ended… The war that should have taken one week is now in its soon fourth year. That’s what you ought to do, instead of testing missiles.”
Despite the condemnation, Russian officials indicated that they had provided the US with advance notice of the planned test.
‘Flying Chernobyl’ Concerns
Beyond the strategic implications, the test raises significant environmental and safety hazards. Arms control experts have long voiced concerns about the weapon—which has been nicknamed a ‘flying Chernobyl’—due to the use of a miniature nuclear reactor for propulsion.
Previous failed tests have reportedly resulted in explosions and local radioactive releases. While Norway stated it has not detected any spikes in radiation in the region following the October 21st test, the inherent risk of a nuclear-powered vehicle flying long distances remains a deep concern for neighbouring nations and arms control advocates, who argue the missile is an extremely costly system with “doubtful practical value” that only contributes to a destabilizing arms race.
Headline Points: The Burevestnik Test
• Missile Name: Burevestnik (NATO: SSC-X-9 Skyfall).
• Key Feature: Nuclear-powered cruise missile with a nearly unlimited range.
• Test Outcome: Russia claims the final test on October 21st was a “complete success,” flying 14,000 km over 15 hours.
• Geopolitical Context: The announcement is seen as a strategic move to boost Russia’s deterrent capabilities and occurs amid rising tensions with the US and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
• International Reaction: US President Donald Trump called the test “not appropriate” and urged Putin to focus on ending the war.
