Moscow Reports Accomplished Evaluation of Atomic-Propelled Storm Petrel Missile

The nation has evaluated the atomic-propelled Burevestnik strategic weapon, as reported by the country's top military official.

"We have launched a prolonged flight of a nuclear-powered missile and it traveled a vast distance, which is not the limit," Chief of General Staff the general told the Russian leader in a public appearance.

The low-flying advanced armament, first announced in 2018, has been hailed as having a potentially unlimited range and the capability to bypass anti-missile technology.

Foreign specialists have earlier expressed skepticism over the projectile's tactical importance and the nation's statements of having effectively trialed it.

The president stated that a "concluding effective evaluation" of the missile had been conducted in the previous year, but the claim was not externally confirmed. Of at least 13 known tests, only two had moderate achievement since 2016, based on an non-proliferation organization.

The military leader said the missile was in the atmosphere for a significant duration during the test on 21 October.

He explained the weapon's altitude and course adjustments were tested and were found to be up to specification, as per a national news agency.

"Therefore, it displayed high capabilities to evade anti-missile and aerial protection," the outlet quoted the general as saying.

The missile's utility has been the subject of intense debate in military and defence circles since it was first announced in recent years.

A 2021 report by a American military analysis unit stated: "An atomic-propelled strategic weapon would offer Moscow a unique weapon with worldwide reach potential."

Yet, as an international strategic institute commented the same year, the nation encounters considerable difficulties in developing a functional system.

"Its induction into the state's stockpile arguably hinges not only on resolving the significant development hurdle of ensuring the consistent operation of the atomic power system," experts wrote.

"There occurred multiple unsuccessful trials, and a mishap causing a number of casualties."

A defence publication quoted in the study claims the projectile has a flight distance of between a substantial span, enabling "the projectile to be stationed across the country and still be equipped to reach targets in the United States mainland."

The corresponding source also says the weapon can travel as low as a very low elevation above the surface, causing complexity for air defences to intercept.

The weapon, designated an operational name by a foreign security organization, is thought to be propelled by a nuclear reactor, which is supposed to activate after primary launch mechanisms have sent it into the air.

An investigation by a news agency last year pinpointed a facility 475km above the capital as the possible firing point of the armament.

Employing space-based photos from the recent past, an expert told the service he had detected nine horizontal launch pads in development at the location.

Connected News

• President Authorizes Modifications to Atomic Policy