France: Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the final test of the Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile, was successful. This is a new step up in Moscow’s military goals in the continuing battle with Ukraine.
The Burevestnik, which means “Storm Bird” in Russian, is different from regular missiles since it is fueled by a small nuclear reactor. Experts say that the missile’s design lets it fly at low altitudes for lengthy periods of time, which makes it tougher for Western defense systems to find or stop it.
What Does the Burevestnik Do?
Putin initially showed off the missile in 2018, years before the invasion of Ukraine. He said the last test was a success on October 21 this year.
Amaury Dufay, a defense researcher at France’s Strategy and Defense Studies Institute, said, “The reactor heats the air around it and pushes it out at high speed to make thrust.” “This lets it fly for a lot longer and farther, like a car engine that uses less gas per 100 km.”
Reports say that the missile flew for 15 hours and covered almost 14,000 kilometers during its most recent test. This means it could theoretically hit targets anywhere over the United States.
Its flying route, which usually stays between 15 and 200 meters (49 to 650 feet) above the ground, makes it quite hard to find. Analysts think it might even travel unexpected paths, including going via Latin America, to hit North America from less protected areas.
Experts also said that the missile’s comparatively sluggish speed might make it less maneuverable than hypersonic or regular ballistic missiles.
Strategic Goal: Getting beyond Western defenses
Analysts argue that the main goal of the Burevestnik is to go around and destroy Western missile defense systems, such as the proposed “Golden Dome” missile shield that was pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Russian defense researcher Dmitry Stefanovich says that the Burevestnik’s vast range and erratic path are meant to “confuse and exhaust” adversary radar networks.
French nuclear specialist Heloise Fayet said that the missile may be used with regular nuclear or conventional bombs.
Fayet added, “It could be used to harass and weaken missile defenses before strikes by more conventional missiles because it can move around and has an unlimited range.”
What It Means for Security Around the World
Putin has given the order to get the missile ready for battle, but experts are still not sure how quickly it can be used.
Fayet said, “The missile is not yet operational; there is no deployment infrastructure or doctrine for its use at this time.”
She said that the test was part of Putin’s geopolitical posturing to get the U.S. to spend a lot of money on its missile defense projects.
“It’s in Putin’s best interest to get Trump to believe he really needs a ‘Golden Dome.’ Fayet remarked, “The Burevestnik is, in essence, a ‘destabilization weapon.'”
Experts think that the Burevestnik shows how Russia is still coming up with new ideas in military technology, especially when it comes to nuclear propulsion, even though it isn’t very useful.
Concerns about radioactivity and the environment
There were no observed surges in radiation after the most recent test, and both Norway’s radiation monitoring agency and Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) stations found nothing out of the ordinary. However, scientists are still cautious.
Dufay cautioned, “The missile itself is radioactive once the reactor is turned on.”
“You can’t test it very often because you could be exposed to radiation if you come too close. But in nuclear deterrence, what matters is sending a message—the trust that comes from testing.
Environmental experts say that any accident during flight or re-entry might be very dangerous because of the missile’s nuclear propulsion technology.
In conclusion
The Burevestnik test shows that Russia is serious about showing off its strategic talents in a world that is becoming more tense. The missile is a symbolic warning of Moscow’s technological reach and a reminder of the expanding nuclear hazards that are changing the way the world works today. Its real-world military use is still unclear.