Categories: Current AffairsInternational

Burevestnik Missile: Russia’s nuclear missiles can now reach targets in US

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced the successful testing of a new nuclear-powered missile called “Burevestnik” during a speech that covered various topics, including nuclear weapons and international relations. This missile, known as “Storm Petrel,” has raised concerns and questions about its capabilities and reliability.

Burevestnik Missile Details

NATO refers to the Burevestnik missile as “Skyfall,” and it has been met with skepticism by Western experts.
President Putin first mentioned this missile in 2018, highlighting its significance in Russia’s military arsenal.
The Burevestnik is a ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile with the capability to carry a nuclear warhead.
What sets it apart is its nuclear propulsion, which allows it to remain airborne for an extended period and cover vast distances.

Strategic Importance

The International Institute for Strategic Studies suggested in 2021 that the Burevestnik missile could have a theoretical range of up to 20,000 kilometers, making it capable of striking targets in the United States from various locations in Russia.
Additionally, the missile operates at a low altitude (50-100 meters), making it challenging for air-defense radar systems to detect.
The United States Air Force’s National Air and Space Intelligence Center in 2020 recognized the missile’s potential, stating that if deployed, it would provide Russia with a “unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability.”

Development Challenges

The development of the Burevestnik missile has been a challenging endeavor for Russian nuclear scientists.
There have been reported failures during tests, with a notable incident in 2019 involving an explosion and radiation leak during an experiment in the White Sea, resulting in the loss of five Russian nuclear specialists.
Experts have raised questions about the missile’s reliability and its timeline for deployment. Some estimates suggest it could be a decade before it becomes operational.