Russia has reportedly completed a successful test of its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, a strategic weapon President Vladimir Putin has lauded as a core component of Moscow’s next-generation deterrent. The announcement signals a significant, if contentious, milestone for the program, which Western intelligence has codenamed “Skyfall.”
President Putin announced that the missile covered approximately 14,000 km (about 8,700 miles) and remained airborne for roughly 15 hours. The missile’s primary purported advantage is its nuclear propulsion system, which theoretically grants it near-unlimited range. This capability would allow it to fly unpredictable, low-altitude trajectories for days, maneuvering around and evading all existing and future missile defense systems to strike targets anywhere on the globe.
“We need to determine the possible uses and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying these weapons to our armed forces,” Putin stated, signaling a potential shift from development to operational planning.
The Burevestnik was first unveiled by Putin during his 2018 state-of-the-nation address as one of several “invincible” weapons. However, its development has reportedly been troubled. U.S. officials and independent analysts have previously cited multiple failed tests. A deadly 2019 explosion at a test site in northern Russia, which caused a brief radiation spike, was widely linked by experts to a failed recovery attempt of a Skyfall missile.
The test drew a swift, dismissive response from President Donald Trump. In response to Putin’s announcement, Mr. Trump said that America also has the greatest nuclear submarine in the world and “it doesn’t have to go 8,000 miles.” His comment contrasts Russia’s experimental delivery system with the established, stealth-based power of the U.S. nuclear triad, particularly its submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which ensure second-strike capability. This latest test escalates concerns about a new arms race focused on exotic delivery systems.
