Moscow Announces Effective Test of Nuclear-Powered Storm Petrel Weapon

The nation has evaluated the atomic-propelled Burevestnik strategic weapon, as stated by the nation's leading commander.

"We have conducted a extended flight of a nuclear-powered missile and it covered a vast distance, which is not the maximum," Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov told the Russian leader in a televised meeting.

The low-altitude prototype missile, originally disclosed in recent years, has been hailed as having a potentially unlimited range and the capability to bypass anti-missile technology.

International analysts have in the past questioned over the weapon's military utility and Moscow's assertions of having successfully tested it.

The head of state declared that a "last accomplished trial" of the weapon had been carried out in last year, but the statement lacked outside validation. Of at least 13 known tests, only two had limited accomplishment since several years ago, based on an disarmament advocacy body.

Gen Gerasimov said the weapon was in the atmosphere for 15 hours during the trial on October 21.

He noted the missile's vertical and horizontal manoeuvring were assessed and were confirmed as meeting requirements, based on a local reporting service.

"As a result, it displayed advanced abilities to circumvent missile and air defence systems," the news agency quoted the commander as saying.

The projectile's application has been the subject of intense debate in military and defence circles since it was originally disclosed in 2018.

A previous study by a US Air Force intelligence center determined: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would give Russia a singular system with intercontinental range capability."

Nonetheless, as a global defence think tank observed the identical period, the nation confronts significant challenges in making the weapon viable.

"Its entry into the nation's inventory potentially relies not only on resolving the significant development hurdle of securing the dependable functioning of the atomic power system," specialists wrote.

"There have been multiple unsuccessful trials, and an accident causing multiple fatalities."

A military journal cited in the study claims the projectile has a range of between 10,000 and 20,000km, permitting "the weapon to be based anywhere in Russia and still be capable to strike goals in the United States mainland."

The identical publication also explains the missile can fly as at minimal altitude as a very low elevation above the earth, rendering it challenging for defensive networks to engage.

The missile, referred to as a specific moniker by a foreign security organization, is thought to be driven by a atomic power source, which is designed to activate after primary launch mechanisms have launched it into the atmosphere.

An investigation by a media outlet last year identified a site 295 miles north of Moscow as the possible firing point of the missile.

Utilizing space-based photos from last summer, an specialist reported to the service he had observed several deployment sites in development at the facility.

Connected News

• President Authorizes Revisions to Atomic Policy