Burevestnik Missile 

News: Russia recently announced a successful test of the Burevestnik (9M730).

About Burevestnik Missile

• It is a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile.
• The missile’s name means “storm petrel” — a bird symbolizing an approaching storm.
• NATO refers to it as SSC-X-9 Skyfall.
• President Vladimir Putin first revealed it in March 2018 as part of Russia’s next-generation strategic weapons.
• It is believed to be powered by a mini nuclear reactor that activates after initial launch using solid-fuel boosters.
• Key Features
  • It is designed to have unlimited range and unpredictable flight paths.
  • It is capable of evading existing missile defence systems due to its low altitude and unpredictable trajectory.
  • It can theoretically fly for many hours or even days.
  • Reportedly, it can fly between 10,000 and 20,000 km, potentially reaching any target in the continental United States from within Russia.
  • It can fly as low as 50 to 100 metres above ground, making radar detection and interception extremely difficult.
• Working mechanism 
  • The missile is powered by a miniaturized nuclear reactor instead of conventional fuel.
  • The reactor heats incoming air to create thrust, similar to a jet engine.
  • As long as the reactor operates, the missile can stay in flight indefinitely.