In the News – Russian President Vladimir Putin said that for the first time Moscow has successfully tested ‘Burevestnik’, a nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missile with a potential range of many thousands of miles.
He emphasised that ‘Burevestnik’ – which translates to “Storm Petrel” and called “Skyfall” by NATO – would serve as a powerful deterrent, making any country think twice before using nuclear weapons against Russia.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies reported in 2021 that Burevestnik could potentially have a range of up to 20,000 kilometers, allowing it to be stationed anywhere in Russia and target locations in the United States.
The missile flies at a very low altitude, ranging from 50 to 100 meters, which makes it challenging for air-defense radar systems to detect. In 2020, a United States Air Force report stated that if Russia successfully deployed Burevestnik, it would possess a “unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability.”
Putin first mentioned ‘Burevestnik’ in 2018. This ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile is designed to carry a nuclear warhead and possesses the unique capability of remaining airborne for extended durations and covering extensive distances, thanks to its nuclear propulsion system. While Putin did not specify the date of the latest test, reports suggest it might have occurred recently, based on activities observed at a Russian Arctic base.
Russia has reportedly used the Arctic Novaya Zemlya archipelago where the Soviet Union last tested a nuclear weapon to build facilities for testing the Burevestnik.
Putin made these statements Thursday October 5th, during the annual Valdai Discussion Club in the Black Sea resort of Sochi (video clip dubbed). He also addressed other nuclear weapons, energy, and the war in Ukraine. He also noted Russia has almost completed work on its Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile system, another key element of its new generation of nuclear weapons.
President Vladimir Putin said Russia may revoke a ban on nuclear weapons tests. Putin’s statement comes amid widespread concerns that Russia could move to resume nuclear tests to try to discourage the West from continuing to offer military support to Ukraine after the Kremlin sent troops into the country. Many Russian hawks have spoken in favour of resuming the tests.
A short analysis – Russian President Putin states ‘Burevestnik’, missile with ‘global range’ tested successfully:
Sources:
• “Hundreds Of Our Missiles…”: Putin Warns Over Nuclear Threat To Russia
• Decoding The Burevestnik Missile: A Closer Look At Russia’s Controversial Nuclear-Powered Weapon
• Vladimir Putin warns West as Russia tests nuclear-powered cruise missile
Putin Tells Valdai Discussion Club Goal Is Creation of ‘New World’ (Sputnik) – Western prosperity has largely been achieved by robbing the entire planet and endless expansion, the president stressed. He emphasized that Russia is capable of making a huge contribution to the new world order, but its readiness was misinterpreted as obedience. No one wanted to hear Russia because the West is too arrogant, Putin stressed. A part of Western elite always needs an enemy, Putin said.