Russia Fires World’s 1st Nuclear Powered Cruise Missile, Burevestnik
Context: Russia has announced successful testing and upcoming deployment of the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile.
Key Points
Missile Tested:
Name: Burevestnik (NATO code: SSC-X-9 “Skyfall”).
Type: Nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile.
Range/Capability: Claimed by Russia to pierce any defence shield; potentially unlimited range due to nuclear propulsion.
Testing Details:
Missile travelled 14,000 km and stayed in the air for about 15 hours.
Strategic Implications:
Message of deterrence amid ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.
Seen as Russia’s response to U.S. actions — particularly, U.S. withdrawal from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty in 2001 and expansion of NATO.
Indicates Russia’s pushback against Western pressure for a ceasefire in Ukraine.