Russia Confirms Successful Trial of Atomic-Propelled Burevestnik Weapon

Moscow has trialed the nuclear-powered Burevestnik strategic weapon, according to the nation's leading commander.

"We have conducted a extended flight of a reactor-driven projectile and it traversed a 8,700-mile distance, which is not the limit," Top Army Official the general reported to the head of state in a televised meeting.

The terrain-hugging experimental weapon, initially revealed in the past decade, has been described as having a possible global reach and the ability to evade defensive systems.

International analysts have previously cast doubt over the weapon's military utility and Moscow's assertions of having successfully tested it.

The head of state stated that a "final successful test" of the weapon had been conducted in last year, but the assertion lacked outside validation. Of a minimum of thirteen documented trials, merely a pair had moderate achievement since several years ago, according to an arms control campaign group.

Gen Gerasimov reported the projectile was in the air for 15 hours during the trial on the specified date.

He noted the weapon's altitude and course adjustments were tested and were determined to be complying with standards, as per a national news agency.

"As a result, it demonstrated superior performance to evade missile and air defence systems," the news agency stated the general as saying.

The projectile's application has been the subject of heated controversy in military and defence circles since it was initially revealed in recent years.

A previous study by a foreign defence research body determined: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would provide the nation a unique weapon with intercontinental range capability."

However, as a global defence think tank observed the identical period, Russia encounters considerable difficulties in achieving operational status.

"Its entry into the state's inventory arguably hinges not only on overcoming the significant development hurdle of ensuring the reliable performance of the reactor drive mechanism," analysts stated.

"There have been multiple unsuccessful trials, and a mishap leading to multiple fatalities."

A armed forces periodical quoted in the analysis asserts the missile has a flight distance of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, permitting "the missile to be deployed throughout the nation and still be capable to reach targets in the American territory."

The identical publication also notes the missile can travel as close to the ground as 50 to 100 metres above the earth, making it difficult for air defences to engage.

The weapon, code-named Skyfall by an international defence pact, is believed to be driven by a reactor system, which is intended to commence operation after solid fuel rocket boosters have launched it into the atmosphere.

An examination by a news agency recently identified a facility 475km from the city as the likely launch site of the weapon.

Utilizing orbital photographs from last summer, an analyst informed the outlet he had detected several deployment sites being built at the facility.

Associated Updates

• Head of State Endorses Amendments to Strategic Guidelines