Russia Confirms Accomplished Evaluation of Nuclear-Powered Storm Petrel Missile

The nation has evaluated the atomic-propelled Burevestnik long-range missile, according to the state's leading commander.

"We have conducted a extended flight of a reactor-driven projectile and it traversed a vast distance, which is not the ultimate range," Senior Military Leader Valery Gerasimov told the Russian leader in a broadcast conference.

The low-flying experimental weapon, initially revealed in 2018, has been described as having a theoretically endless flight path and the ability to bypass defensive systems.

Western experts have earlier expressed skepticism over the projectile's tactical importance and Moscow's assertions of having accomplished its evaluation.

The head of state stated that a "last accomplished trial" of the armament had been carried out in last year, but the assertion could not be independently verified. Of a minimum of thirteen documented trials, only two had limited accomplishment since several years ago, based on an disarmament advocacy body.

The general stated the missile was in the sky for fifteen hours during the test on the specified date.

He explained the projectile's ascent and directional control were tested and were confirmed as meeting requirements, according to a national news agency.

"Consequently, it exhibited advanced abilities to circumvent anti-missile and aerial protection," the news agency quoted the commander as saying.

The projectile's application has been the subject of heated controversy in armed forces and security communities since it was originally disclosed in the past decade.

A recent analysis by a US Air Force intelligence center stated: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would provide the nation a distinctive armament with worldwide reach potential."

However, as a global defence think tank noted the corresponding time, Moscow encounters considerable difficulties in developing a functional system.

"Its entry into the nation's arsenal likely depends not only on resolving the considerable technical challenge of securing the consistent operation of the atomic power system," specialists noted.

"There occurred numerous flight-test failures, and an accident causing several deaths."

A military journal quoted in the study claims the weapon has a range of between a substantial span, allowing "the missile to be deployed anywhere in Russia and still be able to target targets in the United States mainland."

The corresponding source also notes the missile can operate as close to the ground as 164 to 328 feet above the earth, causing complexity for defensive networks to engage.

The missile, code-named a specific moniker by a foreign security organization, is considered powered by a atomic power source, which is supposed to activate after solid fuel rocket boosters have propelled it into the air.

An examination by a news agency recently identified a site 475km above the capital as the likely launch site of the armament.

Utilizing space-based photos from last summer, an analyst informed the outlet he had identified nine horizontal launch pads being built at the site.

Connected News

• President Authorizes Revisions to Strategic Guidelines