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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.
