Russia Reports Effective Test of Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Missile

Moscow has trialed the reactor-driven Burevestnik strategic weapon, according to the nation's leading commander.

"We have launched a prolonged flight of a atomic-propelled weapon and it traversed a vast distance, which is not the limit," Top Army Official Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin in a public appearance.

The low-altitude experimental weapon, initially revealed in recent years, has been described as having a theoretically endless flight path and the capability to bypass anti-missile technology.

International analysts have earlier expressed skepticism over the weapon's military utility and Russian claims of having successfully tested it.

The president said that a "last accomplished trial" of the weapon had been held in last year, but the statement could not be independently verified. Of over a dozen recorded evaluations, just two instances had partial success since several years ago, as per an arms control campaign group.

Gen Gerasimov reported the weapon was in the air for a significant duration during the trial on October 21.

He noted the missile's vertical and horizontal manoeuvring were assessed and were found to be meeting requirements, based on a domestic media outlet.

"As a result, it demonstrated high capabilities to bypass defensive networks," the outlet reported the general as saying.

The weapon's usefulness has been the subject of vigorous discussion in military and defence circles since it was first announced in 2018.

A recent analysis by a American military analysis unit concluded: "A reactor-driven long-range projectile would offer Moscow a distinctive armament with worldwide reach potential."

However, as an international strategic institute commented the corresponding time, Russia confronts significant challenges in making the weapon viable.

"Its integration into the nation's arsenal potentially relies not only on resolving the considerable technical challenge of guaranteeing the consistent operation of the reactor drive mechanism," specialists stated.

"There occurred several flawed evaluations, and an accident resulting in a number of casualties."

A defence publication referenced in the analysis states the projectile has a operational radius of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, permitting "the weapon to be based across the country and still be capable to target targets in the United States mainland."

The corresponding source also explains the missile can fly as low as 50 to 100 metres above the earth, making it difficult for aerial protection systems to stop.

The weapon, designated Skyfall by an international defence pact, is thought to be powered by a reactor system, which is intended to engage after solid fuel rocket boosters have sent it into the atmosphere.

An examination by a media outlet recently located a location 475km north of Moscow as the possible firing point of the weapon.

Utilizing satellite imagery from the recent past, an analyst informed the agency he had observed multiple firing positions in development at the location.

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