MOSCOW — Russia announced Sunday that it has successfully tested its nuclear-powered cruise missile Burevestnik (designated SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO), a major development in Moscow’s strategic arsenal. President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a military command center, said the weapon flew some 14,000 km and remained airborne for about 15 hours, based on a report from General Valery Gerasimov.
Putin claimed that Burevestnik’s performance is unmatched globally, highlighting its ability to evade missile defenses and describing it as “a unique weapon, one that no other country in the world possesses.” He further ordered the military to prepare the infrastructure needed to deploy the missile operationally.
According to Gerasimov, the test took place on October 21, and the missile demonstrated functions consistent with long-duration flight powered by its onboard nuclear reactor. Russian state media said that Burevestnik’s “technical characteristics” permit high precision even against well-defended targets at any distance.
Western analysts have long viewed Burevestnik with skepticism, citing its troubled testing history and engineering challenges. Critics point out that earlier attempts suffered failures, and that actual deployment of a stable, safe, and reliable nuclear-powered cruise missile remains exceedingly complex.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following U.S. sanctions on Russia’s top oil producers and delays in a planned summit between Putin and Trump. Putin’s unveiling of the test appears intended as a strong signal to the West that Moscow’s strategic modernization continues apace, and that Russia is willing to push the boundaries of nuclear deterrence.
As global powers assess the ramifications, the test is likely to intensify debates over arms control, nuclear escalation, and the future of missile defense systems.
