Russia tests nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile

Tuesday 28 October 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Russia tests nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile

Norwegian military intelligence confirmed on Monday that Russia conducted a test of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile from the Arctic archipelago of Novaya Zemlya last week. This independent verification follows Moscow’s claims of successful tests for this controversial weapon.

Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensoenes, head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, told Reuters, "We can confirm that Russia has conducted a new test launch of the long-range Skyfall (Burevestnik) cruise missile in Novaya Zemlya." The confirmation comes shortly after President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday that Russia had successfully completed what he described as "decisive tests" of the nuclear-capable missile.

Putin signals readiness for deployment

Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, reported to Putin that the October 21 test saw the Burevestnik travel 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) and remain airborne for approximately 15 hours. Speaking in military uniform during a televised meeting, Putin called the missile "a one-of-a-kind weapon that no one else in the world possesses" and ordered preparations for its deployment within Russia’s armed forces.

Powered by a miniature nuclear reactor, the Burevestnik is designed to evade missile defense systems with its virtually unlimited range and unpredictable flight path. NATO has designated the system as SSC-X-9 Skyfall, while Western analysts have dubbed it a "flying Chernobyl" due to its nuclear propulsion system.

Criticism and geopolitical tensions

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the missile test as "inappropriate," urging Putin to prioritize ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked, "This war needs to end," and added, "We have a nuclear submarine, the best in the world, just off their shores."

The missile test coincided with increased Western pressure on Moscow, including new U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector and fresh commitments of European military aid to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended the test, citing the need to ensure Russia’s security in what he described as a "militaristic atmosphere" in Europe.

A troubled development history

The Burevestnik program has faced significant challenges. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, only two of at least 13 known tests since 2016 have achieved partial success. A 2019 testing accident killed seven Russian scientists and caused radiation spikes in the surrounding area.