Anna Hartz
Putin Says Russia Successfully Tested “Unique” Nuclear Cruise Missile
Nuclear weapons remain at the center of global tensions as countries continue to test and develop new missile systems.
Leaders often use these tests to show military strength and technological progress. Russia’s latest announcement shows how seriously Moscow views its nuclear capabilities in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Successful Test
On Sunday, October 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had successfully completed the final test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile, called Burevestnik, reports Ziare.
The Kremlin released a video of Putin speaking to military officials, in which he called the weapon “unique” and claimed it had a range of up to 14,000 kilometers.
Unlike Anything Else
Putin said the decisive tests were finished and ordered the military to start preparing the infrastructure to bring the missile into service.
He said Burevestnik, which means “storm bird” in Russian, was unlike anything else in the world. Putin claimed it had an “unlimited range.”
15 Hours in Air
The Russian Chief of Staff, Valery Gerasimov, provided details of the latest test. He said on October 21, the missile stayed in the air for about 15 hours and traveled 14,000 kilometers.
Gerasimov said the missile’s technical design allows it to strike heavily protected targets anywhere, with guaranteed accuracy.
First Announced in 2018
Burevestnik was first announced by Putin in 2018. He said at that time that the missile could bypass nearly all existing interception systems.
Russian officials describe the weapon as a new tool to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrence and global military position.
Political Purposes
The announcement comes as Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine. Analysts say these kinds of tests serve both military and political purposes, signaling strength to domestic audiences and to other nations.
Critics argue such statements increase international tensions and may push other countries to accelerate their own weapons programs.
Technical Risks
For now, details about the missile’s operational readiness, reliability, and safety remain limited. Experts note that nuclear-powered cruise missiles carry unique technical risks, including radiation hazards during testing and operation.
Still, Putin and Russian military officials describe the Burevestnik as a symbol of Moscow’s strategic ambitions.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, which may have used AI in the preparation
