Russia Announces Accomplished Trial of Atomic-Propelled Burevestnik Weapon

Russia has tested the atomic-propelled Burevestnik long-range missile, as reported by the state's senior general.

"We have executed a extended flight of a atomic-propelled weapon and it traveled a vast distance, which is not the maximum," Chief of General Staff the general told President Vladimir Putin in a broadcast conference.

The low-altitude experimental weapon, initially revealed in the past decade, has been described as having a possible global reach and the capability to avoid missile defences.

International analysts have previously cast doubt over the missile's strategic value and the nation's statements of having accomplished its evaluation.

The national leader stated that a "concluding effective evaluation" of the missile had been carried out in 2023, but the assertion lacked outside validation. Of a minimum of thirteen documented trials, just two instances had partial success since several years ago, according to an non-proliferation organization.

The general said the missile was in the atmosphere for 15 hours during the evaluation on the specified date.

He said the projectile's ascent and directional control were tested and were determined to be up to specification, based on a domestic media outlet.

"Therefore, it demonstrated superior performance to evade missile and air defence systems," the news agency quoted the official as saying.

The weapon's usefulness has been the subject of heated controversy in defence and strategic sectors since it was initially revealed in recent years.

A recent analysis by a foreign defence research body determined: "An atomic-propelled strategic weapon would give Russia a distinctive armament with intercontinental range capability."

Yet, as an international strategic institute commented the identical period, the nation confronts major obstacles in developing a functional system.

"Its integration into the country's stockpile arguably hinges not only on overcoming the significant development hurdle of ensuring the consistent operation of the atomic power system," analysts wrote.

"There have been multiple unsuccessful trials, and an incident leading to multiple fatalities."

A armed forces periodical cited in the study states the missile has a operational radius of between 10,000 and 20,000km, allowing "the missile to be deployed throughout the nation and still be capable to strike goals in the continental US."

The corresponding source also explains the weapon can travel as at minimal altitude as 164 to 328 feet above the earth, rendering it challenging for air defences to stop.

The projectile, designated an operational name by a foreign security organization, is believed to be powered by a atomic power source, which is intended to engage after primary launch mechanisms have propelled it into the sky.

An investigation by a media outlet last year pinpointed a location 475km from the city as the likely launch site of the weapon.

Employing space-based photos from the recent past, an specialist told the agency he had detected several deployment sites being built at the site.

Associated Updates

• National Leader Approves Modifications to Atomic Policy