Putin tests new ‘invisible’ nuclear-powered missile that has unlimited range

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia has successfully test-launched a new nuclear-powered cruise missile known as the 9M730 Burevestnik, which NATO has codenamed “Skyfall.” 

Putin described the missile as a “weapon of unlimited range powered by a nuclear engine” and claimed it would soon be ready for deployment.

The announcement, made during a visit to a Russian military command post, marks what Putin called a breakthrough in nuclear weapons technology. “It is a truly unique system, one that no other country in the world possesses,” he declared, describing the Burevestnik as “invincible” against existing and future missile defence systems.

ccording to General Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s top army commander, the missile travelled 14,000 kilometres over 15 hours during its most recent test. The Burevestnik, roughly 12 metres long, is reportedly capable of carrying a thermonuclear warhead and is designed for intercontinental missions.

The missile, dubbed the “Flying Chernobyl” by Western analysts, has been widely criticised for its potential environmental and safety risks due to its nuclear propulsion system. Former U.S. State Department official Thomas Countryman once called it “a uniquely stupid weapon system,” arguing it poses “more threat to Russia than to any other country” because of the radioactive trail it leaves behind.

The Burevestnik’s development has been marred by technical failures and delays. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), there have been at least 13 known test attempts since 2016, with only two partial successes. One of the most serious setbacks occurred in 2019, when a prototype exploded during a recovery operation, reportedly killing several engineers and releasing radiation.