Russia Completes Decisive Tests of Burevestnik Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the completion of decisive tests of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered, unlimited-range cruise missile, stating that considerable work remains to be done to put the weapon on combat alert. The missile, described by Putin as having no analogues in the world, has successfully completed a test flight, remaining in the air for approximately 15 hours and covering a distance of 14,000 km. The development of infrastructure for the deployment of the Burevestnik in the Armed Forces has been instructed by Putin.

Key Takeaways:

• The Burevestnik nuclear-powered, unlimited-range cruise missile has completed decisive tests, with Russian President Vladimir Putin announcing the completion during a visit to the command post of the joint group of forces.
• Putin noted that considerable work remains to be done to put the weapon on combat alert, but key objectives have already been achieved.
• The missile has successfully completed a test flight, remaining in the air for approximately 15 hours and covering a distance of 14,000 km.
• Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported to the head of state that "this is not the limit" referring to the missile's capabilities.
• Putin instructed the development of infrastructure for the deployment of the Burevestnik in the Armed Forces.
• The Burevestnik is described by Putin as having no analogues in the world.

Statistics:

• The Burevestnik missile remained in the air for approximately 15 hours during the October 21 test.
• The missile covered a distance of 14,000 km during the test.
• Putin stated that considerable work remains to be done to put the weapon on combat alert.

Sources:

• TASS, Sunday (no date provided)
• State Council News (October 26)
• Chronology: Russian Federation.