Moscow Reports Successful Test of Atomic-Propelled Burevestnik Weapon

Moscow has trialed the nuclear-powered Burevestnik long-range missile, as reported by the state's top military official.

"We have executed a multi-hour flight of a atomic-propelled weapon and it traversed a vast distance, which is not the ultimate range," Chief of General Staff the general reported to the head of state in a televised meeting.

The terrain-hugging experimental weapon, initially revealed in 2018, has been described as having a potentially unlimited range and the ability to avoid defensive systems.

International analysts have previously cast doubt over the weapon's military utility and the nation's statements of having successfully tested it.

The national leader declared that a "concluding effective evaluation" of the weapon had been held in 2023, but the assertion could not be independently verified. Of a minimum of thirteen documented trials, just two instances had limited accomplishment since several years ago, as per an non-proliferation organization.

Gen Gerasimov stated the projectile was in the atmosphere for a significant duration during the test on 21 October.

He noted the projectile's ascent and directional control were evaluated and were determined to be meeting requirements, according to a national news agency.

"Therefore, it displayed superior performance to evade missile and air defence systems," the outlet stated the official as saying.

The projectile's application has been the subject of intense debate in military and defence circles since it was initially revealed in 2018.

A recent analysis by a foreign defence research body concluded: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would provide the nation a singular system with intercontinental range capability."

Yet, as a foreign policy research organization commented the corresponding time, Moscow encounters major obstacles in making the weapon viable.

"Its induction into the country's arsenal arguably hinges not only on overcoming the substantial engineering obstacle of ensuring the consistent operation of the atomic power system," analysts wrote.

"There occurred multiple unsuccessful trials, and a mishap resulting in a number of casualties."

A defence publication quoted in the study asserts the missile has a flight distance of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, enabling "the missile to be stationed anywhere in Russia and still be equipped to strike goals in the United States mainland."

The identical publication also explains the missile can travel as at minimal altitude as 164 to 328 feet above the surface, making it difficult for aerial protection systems to stop.

The missile, code-named an operational name by an international defence pact, is thought to be propelled by a atomic power source, which is designed to commence operation after solid fuel rocket boosters have propelled it into the sky.

An inquiry by a media outlet recently identified a site 475km from the city as the possible firing point of the armament.

Utilizing orbital photographs from August 2024, an analyst told the service he had identified nine horizontal launch pads in development at the site.

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