Russia tests hypersonic weapon: Putin says the nuclear-powered missile is unmatched

Russian officials announced that on 21 October they conducted a test of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile (also known as 9M730, NATO codename: Skyfall). According to the Russian military’s General Staff, the missile remained airborne for around 15 hours, covering an estimated 14,000 kilometres during the test. Russian leaders have highlighted the weapon’s “practically unlimited” range and its ability to bypass modern defence systems.

Putin: “There is nothing like it in the world”

In footage released by the Kremlin, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov briefed President Vladimir Putin on the test results, Reuters reported. Putin praised the successful trial, stressing that these domestically developed, nuclear-powered “winged missiles” are unique weapons with no equivalent anywhere in the world. However, he added that further development and infrastructure preparations would still be necessary before the weapon could enter active service.

Technical features and ongoing doubts

According to Russian statements, the Burevestnik (which means Storm Bird in Russian) is similar in size to the Kh-101 cruise missile but, thanks to its nuclear propulsion system, can achieve a far greater range and significantly longer flight duration. This theoretically allows the missile to fly at low altitudes and along unpredictable paths, making detection and interception by air or missile defence systems far more difficult.

Western experts, however, have repeatedly expressed doubts about the system’s safety, its radioactive risks, and its actual military advantage.

Previous accidents and environmental concerns

This is not the first time the Burevestnik programme has raised safety concerns. Earlier tests were reportedly linked to accidents and radiation incidents, prompting questions about the environmental and human risks involved. According to current Russian statements, however, the latest test on 21 October did not result in any detectable cross-border radiation levels, and independent northern monitoring stations have not reported any abnormal readings.

A 2018 test:

The geopolitical message

During the same briefing, Gerasimov reported on the situation in Ukraine, claiming that Russian forces had completed the encirclement of enemy troops near Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in the Donetsk region, blocking some 5,500 Ukrainian soldiers. He also asserted that Russian forces had seized control of the Oskil River crossing, surrounding the city of Kupiansk and trapping another 5,000 Ukrainian troops there.

According to the general, Russia now controls about 70% of Vovchansk, and battles for Yampil are nearing completion. Analysts suggest that announcements about the Burevestnik missile and similar military developments also serve a political purpose — projecting strength and nuclear deterrence at a time when Russia faces a prolonged war and Western sanctions.

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What’s next?

Russia says further tests and infrastructure preparations are planned, with the eventual goal of gradual deployment if progress continues as expected. Meanwhile, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, as questions remain over the weapon’s practical effectiveness, safety risks, and the legal and political implications of deploying a nuclear-powered missile system.