Russia has announced the successful test of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, a weapon President Vladimir Putin described as “unique” and beyond the reach of any existing defence system. The Kremlin confirmed that the long-range missile will soon move toward deployment, marking a significant milestone in Moscow’s strategic weapons development. Putin praised the achievement, saying earlier experts had doubted such a weapon could ever be built.
General Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s top military commander, briefed Putin that the missile flew 14,000 kilometres over 15 hours during the October 21 test. He emphasized that the missile operated entirely on nuclear power, allowing for virtually unlimited range and unpredictable flight paths. Moscow claims this capability makes the 9M730 Burevestnik, known to NATO as “Skyfall,” immune to interception by any current or future missile defence systems.
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Putin, dressed in camouflage at a command post meeting, said the successful trial proved Russia’s ability to innovate in modern warfare. He noted that preparations are underway to classify the new weapon and establish the infrastructure needed for deployment. The Russian president added that the Burevestnik symbolizes his country’s technological superiority in the global arms race.
Gerasimov stated that the latest test differed from earlier trials because of its extended flight time and distance. He assured that the weapon’s nuclear propulsion system performed flawlessly, reinforcing Russia’s claim that the Burevestnik could defeat any Western missile shield. The system, which translates to “Storm Petrel,” is part of Moscow’s next-generation arsenal aimed at maintaining strategic balance with the United States and NATO.
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Earlier this week, Putin personally oversaw a large-scale test of Russia’s nuclear triad — land, sea, and air forces — to assess readiness and command coordination. “The modernity of our nuclear deterrent forces is at the highest level, higher than any other nuclear power,” Putin declared. He asserted that Russia’s strategic arsenal remains fully capable of ensuring the nation’s and its allies’ security.
Russia and the United States together hold nearly 87% of the world’s nuclear weapons, with Russia possessing about 5,459 warheads compared to America’s 5,177, according to the Federation of American Scientists. With this latest test, Moscow aims to signal that it continues to advance its nuclear capabilities despite global tensions and arms control challenges.