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Russia Tests Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile with "Invincible" Capabilities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed the latest test of the country's new nuclear-powered cruise missile, Burevestnik, which has reportedly travelled a distance of 14,000 km and remained in the air for nearly 15 hours. The missile's capabilities have been described as "invincible" to current and future missile defences, and Putin has ordered the final stage of testing before deploying the missiles. This comes as Russia and the United States together hold about 87% of the global inventory of nuclear weapons, with Russia possessing 5,459 nuclear warheads and the US having 5,177.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 9M730 Burevestnik, also known as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall, is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile that is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and is nuclear-powered.
  • The missile has an unlimited range and can evade US missile defences, according to Putin's initial comments in March 2018.
  • The latest test took place on October 21, with General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff of Russia's armed forces, confirming that the missile travelled 14,000 km and remained in the air for about 15 hours.
  • Putin has ordered the final stage of testing before deploying the missiles, and has described the Burevestnik as "a unique ware which nobody else in the world has".
  • The missile's capabilities are considered "invincible" to current and future missile defences, according to Putin's remarks.
  • The Burevestnik is designed to enable it to fly much further and for longer than traditional turbojet or turbofan engines, allowing it to "loiter" for an extended period before hitting a target.

Statistics:

  • The Burevestnik missile travelled 14,000 km before returning to Earth, equivalent to approximately 8,700 miles.
  • The missile remained in the air for nearly 15 hours, a significant duration for a cruise missile.
  • Russia possesses 5,459 nuclear warheads, while the US has 5,177, together holding about 87% of the global inventory of nuclear weapons.
  • The Burevestnik missile is considered a game-changer for Russia's nuclear deterrent forces, with Putin stating that its so-called "modernity" is at the "highest level".

Sources:

  • [Reuters]
  • [Kremlin]
  • [Federation of American Scientists (FAS)]

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