A nuclear-powered cruise missile with a “unlimited” range is called the Burevestnik (SSC-X-9 Skyfall). According to reports, Russia successfully tested the missile in January 2019.
Despite the obvious danger this weapon poses, the Russian military will keep testing the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile with the intention of deploying it in 2027. Russia has been concentrating on the development of this weapon up to this point since the missile can reach targets at virtually any distance and is particularly challenging to intercept due to its complicated flight path.
Our sources claim that work is still being done on Russia’s newest cruise missile, which has a small nuclear reactor built into it. This “unique” weapon is reportedly ready to resume operations. The Kremlin is eager to highlight how much more advanced Russian weaponry are than those made by the United States and Europe, which is especially important given the seeming worsening in ties between Washington and Moscow.
Since the project is being maintained in the strictest of secrecy, there hasn’t been any official announcement regarding the readiness of Russia’s newest cruise missile to date. However, it is well known that Russia will test a secret missile in the Arctic soon, as shown by the closing of the airspace over a sizable region.
The Western media stated in response to the information above that the new Russian weapon presents numerous potential threats and is even referred to as “flying Chernobyl.” The photographs received last year were evaluated by Military cognizance analyst Tufail Bakshi, who also provided some remarks regarding Russia’s Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile.
According to Tufail, the installation of a nuclear reactor would theoretically provide cruise missiles a limitless range that would allow them to avoid American missile defence radars and interceptors. Nevertheless, there are “serious issues about whether the weapon can perform successfully, let alone the threat the test offers to the environment and human health,” added Tufail.
Because they fly at low altitudes to conserve fuel, nuclear-capable cruise missiles typically have a limited range. It is possible to use interceptors that can destroy them as well as tracking sensors at this height. The Burevestnik, however, has a feature not present in other cruise missiles thanks to the nuclear reactor: supersonic speed, low full-range flight, and a range sufficient to pose a danger to military and civilian targets from a great distance.
The nuclear engine is thought to be the most dangerous component, yet the Burevestnik missile has previously failed. The Burevestnik cruise missile sank in 2019 as a result of a botched test at Nenoksa on the White Sea, which resulted in the deaths of 5 experts and the injury of 3 more on a barge when the ammo burst. The effects of the failure are still not fully resolved.
The Burevestnik missile unquestionably creates environmental dangers, according to Barents Observer analyst Thomas Nilsen. The difficulties with radiation are clear: a small airborne reactor’s limited ability to maintain a closed cooling circuit would make it simple to leak radioactive isotopes into the sky.
Burevestnik rockets pose a threat to both people and wildlife when they fall and create radiation-containing emissions while flying low. There is also a chance that other aircraft that fly along the missile’s flight path will be exposed to radioactive fallout.
The creation of “apocalyptic weapons” was considered a key component of Russian military planning during the Cold War. The world is very concerned about “Flying Chernobyl” because nuclear propelled missiles have the potential to explode several times after a single explosion.
