Russia’s latest Burevestnik missile is loaded with highly advanced features; its test has caused big tension to US

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has tested the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. He stated that the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile is a unique weapon with no parallel in the world. He further stated that the key test objectives have been successfully achieved. Putin also stated that the missile will soon be deployed in the Russian army, although much work remains to be done. This missile is considered a major threat to the US.

Burevestnik flew 14,000 kilometres

Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, informed President Vladimir Putin that during the test on October 21, the Burevestnik missile covered a distance of 14,000 kilometres and remained in the air for approximately 15 hours. He stated that it is nuclear-powered, can destroy any missile defence system, and has unlimited range.

Why is the Burevestnik missile special?

The 9M730 Burevestnik missile, also known as the “Storm Petrel,” is a ground-launched, low-altitude cruise missile. This missile is not only capable of carrying nuclear weapons but is also nuclear-powered. NATO calls it the SSC-X-9 Skyfall.

Putin revealed in 2018

Putin first revealed the 9M730 Burevestnik missile project in March 2018. He stated that the 9M730 Burevestnik missile has unlimited range and is also capable of evading US missile defences. However, some Western experts have questioned its strategic importance, saying that it will not enhance Moscow’s capabilities beyond its existing capabilities and that it may emit radiation along its flight path.

Burevestnik Missile’s unlimited range

Its nuclear fuel enables it to fly much farther and for longer periods than conventional turbojet or turbofan engines, which are limited by their range. This allows the missile to “hover” for a long time before reaching its target.

The Burevestnik missile could remain airborne for several days.

The US-based security organisation Nuclear Threat Initiative stated that the Burevestnik missile could potentially remain airborne for several days. “During operation, Burevestnik would carry a nuclear warhead (or multiple warheads), orbit the Earth at low altitude, evade missile defences, and drop the warhead at a location (or locations) that is difficult to predict,” their 2019 report stated.

Russian military expert Alexei Leonkov stated that the Burevestnik would “push the aggressor countries back to the Stone Age,” destroying their military and civilian infrastructure.

Flies at very low altitude

The International Institute for Strategic Studies, citing a specialist Russian military journal in 2021, stated that the Burevestnik would have an estimated range of up to 20,000 km (12,400 miles), allowing it to be deployed anywhere in Russia and strike targets in the United States. The same Russian journal stated that the missile’s estimated altitude is only 50 to 100 meters (164 to 328 feet), much lower than a conventionally powered cruise missile, making it difficult for air defence radar to detect.

What the US said about the Burevestnik Missile

A 2020 report by the US Air Force’s National Air and Space Intelligence Center stated that if Russia successfully brings the Burevestnik into service, it would provide Moscow with “a unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability.” Experts estimate that it will be propelled by a small solid-fuel rocket to deliver air to an engine containing a miniature nuclear reactor. The superheated and possibly radioactive air will be detonated to provide propulsion.