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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.
It’s simply amazing that a country that can’t produce cars with modern features, has no semi-conductor industry and must smuggle in advanced technological goods it can’t produce can somehow produce hypersonic weapons that are unmatched in the entire universe.
Dear Larry, according to the beggar from Kiev, there are still many Western components in Russian weapon systems!? High time for Cruella VDL and blabbering Kallas to intervene! France will soon deliver four more ancient Mirage 2000 aircraft! Tora Tora Tora…
Don’t worry. Orban is too busy sucking Dr. Evil’s pecker while he works in his Moscow laboratory to made the newest weapon to wipe out the world. Putin is truly a real life Bond villain.