In a significant development for global defense, Russia has successfully tested its new nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missile, known as the Burevestnik. This revelation came directly from Russia’s top General, who informed President Vladimir Putin during remarks released on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of Russia’s armed forces, confirmed to President Putin that the missile showcased remarkable performance, covering an impressive 14,000 kilometers and remaining airborne for approximately 15 hours during its flight.
President Putin has previously boasted about the missile’s capabilities, describing the 9M730 Burevestnik, also known by its NATO designation SSC-X-9 Skyfall or simply “Storm Petrel,” as “invincible.” He asserted that its virtually unlimited range and unpredictable flight path render it impervious to both current and future missile defense systems.
During their discussion on Sunday, a camouflaged President Putin instructed General Gerasimov that these critical Burevestnik tests are now complete. He ordered that preparations for the missile’s final deployment phase should commence immediately, marking a pivotal step toward integrating this advanced weapon into Russia’s arsenal.