Russia’s Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, has reported a significant milestone in the nation’s military advancements, stating that the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile successfully completed a multi-hour flight, covering an impressive 14,000 km (8,700 miles). During a televised meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Gerasimov noted that this distance is not the missile’s limit, highlighting its potential for extended range operations.
First revealed in 2018, the Burevestnik is designed as an experimental, low-flying cruise missile. It is lauded by Russian officials for its potential to possess an unlimited range and its advanced capability to evade enemy missile defense systems. However, these claims have been met with skepticism by Western experts, who have previously questioned the missile’s strategic value and the veracity of Russia’s testing successes.
General Gerasimov further elaborated on the test, which occurred on October 21st, stating the missile demonstrated exceptional vertical and horizontal maneuverability, meeting all specified requirements. He emphasized that these capabilities are crucial for the missile’s ability to bypass missile and air defense systems, according to reports from Russia’s Tass news agency.
Despite these assertions, the Burevestnik’s actual utility and reliability have been subjects of considerable debate within military and defense circles since its initial announcement. While President Putin himself claimed a “final successful test” in 2023, independent verification remains challenging. An arms control campaign group indicated that out of at least 13 known tests conducted since 2016, only two have achieved partial success.
The missile, codenamed Skyfall by NATO, is believed to be propelled by a nuclear reactor that is activated after its initial launch boost. Reports suggest it can fly at very low altitudes, between 50 and 100 meters above ground, making interception by air defenses exceptionally difficult. An investigation last year by Reuters identified a facility north of Moscow as a likely launch site, with satellite imagery showing multiple launch pads under construction.
Related
More from the BBC
- EU fails to back frozen Russian cash loan – but vows to support Ukraine
- Rosenberg: Trump abandons carrot and wields stick over Putin in Ukraine talks
- What’s the significance of US sanctions on Russian oil?
- Children among victims in Russian strikes, hours after Trump-Putin talks shelved
- Why Trump made breakthrough in Gaza but can’t with Putin over Ukraine