Russia Confirms Accomplished Evaluation of Atomic-Propelled Burevestnik Weapon

Russia has tested the reactor-driven Burevestnik cruise missile, according to the state's senior general.

"We have launched a extended flight of a atomic-propelled weapon and it covered a vast distance, which is not the maximum," Senior Military Leader the commander reported to the head of state in a broadcast conference.

The low-flying experimental weapon, first announced in 2018, has been hailed as having a possible global reach and the ability to evade missile defences.

Western experts have earlier expressed skepticism over the projectile's tactical importance and the nation's statements of having successfully tested it.

The president declared that a "final successful test" of the weapon had been held in 2023, but the claim was not externally confirmed. Of at least 13 known tests, merely a pair had limited accomplishment since several years ago, according to an disarmament advocacy body.

The general reported the missile was in the sky for a significant duration during the evaluation on the specified date.

He explained the weapon's altitude and course adjustments were evaluated and were found to be meeting requirements, as per a national news agency.

"Consequently, it exhibited advanced abilities to bypass defensive networks," the outlet quoted the official as saying.

The projectile's application has been the subject of vigorous discussion in armed forces and security communities since it was initially revealed in 2018.

A recent analysis by a foreign defence research body concluded: "An atomic-propelled strategic weapon would offer Moscow a distinctive armament with intercontinental range capability."

Yet, as an international strategic institute commented the same year, the nation confronts major obstacles in developing a functional system.

"Its induction into the nation's inventory potentially relies not only on surmounting the substantial engineering obstacle of securing the reliable performance of the atomic power system," specialists stated.

"There have been multiple unsuccessful trials, and an incident causing a number of casualties."

A defence publication referenced in the analysis claims the weapon has a flight distance of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, allowing "the projectile to be stationed anywhere in Russia and still be capable to target objectives in the continental US."

The same journal also explains the missile can operate as close to the ground as 164 to 328 feet above the earth, making it difficult for aerial protection systems to engage.

The missile, referred to as a specific moniker by a Western alliance, is believed to be propelled by a nuclear reactor, which is supposed to commence operation after primary launch mechanisms have propelled it into the atmosphere.

An inquiry by a media outlet recently located a facility 295 miles above the capital as the possible firing point of the weapon.

Using orbital photographs from August 2024, an analyst informed the agency he had observed multiple firing positions under construction at the facility.

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