Russia has crafted one of the most formidable weapons in history, known as Burevestnik, or as NATO dubs it, Skyfall. This is a cruise missile powered by nuclear energy, capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Russian President Vladimir Putin hails it as invincible. Yet, is it truly as perilous as claimed?
What is the Burevestnik?
The Burevestnik is a distinctive type of cruise missile. Unlike ordinary missiles, it features a small nuclear reactor that grants it unlimited range. Traditional missiles stop when they run out of fuel, but powered by nuclear energy, this missile can fly for weeks or even months.
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Source: aajtak
Name Meaning: In Russian, 'Burevestnik' means 'storm petrel,' a bird signaling an approaching storm, akin to how this missile foreshadows danger.
Size and Speed: Comparable in size to the Kh-101 missile and reaches speeds of approximately 1,000 kilometers per hour. Flying at low altitudes (50-100 meters), it easily evades radar detection.
Weaponry: Capable of being equipped with a nuclear warhead, resulting in a colossal explosion.
This missile is the first in history to use nuclear propulsion. Russia claims it can outmaneuver any missile defense system of the U.S. or NATO.
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How does the Burevestnik work?
While conventional cruise missiles use jet engines, the Burevestnik is powered by a compact nuclear reactor, which heats the air and propels the missile forward.
Source: aajtak
Unlimited Range: With no fuel worries, it can orbit the earth multiple times. The range is stated to exceed 20,000 kilometers.
Trajectory Variation: Capable of altering its path mid-flight and maintaining low altitude to dodge enemy defenses. The U.S. systems like THAAD or Aegis, designed for ballistic missiles flying in straight lines, may struggle against this curvature-capable missile.
Threat: A crash could lead to radioactive leaks. Some American experts liken it to a 'flying Chernobyl' due to the environmental risks similar to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.
Russia asserts that this missile will shift global balance since no nation can stop it.
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The development saga: When did it begin and what were the challenges?
Decades of Russian investment in advanced weapons led to the Burevestnik project, initiated in the 2000s, and introduced publicly by Putin on March 1, 2018. He claimed it would nullify U.S. missile defenses.
Source: aajtak
Testing: Since 2016, it underwent at least 13 tests, with only 2 partially successful. Several failures occurred.
2018: The first successful showcase happened, but many launches failed afterward.
2019: Explosions during Arctic tests resulted in the deaths of 5 Russian scientists. U.S. intelligence suspects this happened during missile recovery.
2023: Putin claimed a final successful test occurred.
Challenges: Miniaturizing and securing the nuclear reactor is difficult. Managing radiation, ensuring engine stability, and preventing crashes remain issues. The NASIC 2020 report notes that while success could provide a unique weapon, it's not fully operational yet.
In the 1950s-60s, the U.S. attempted a similar project (SLAM) but discontinued it due to risks. Russia is revisiting this challenge.
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Test locations and future plans
In 2025, Burevestnik is again in the spotlight. Satellite images indicate renewed Russian testing.
Testing Grounds:
The primary site is Novaya Zemlya, an Arctic archipelago with the Pankovo range. In July-August 2025, shipping containers, equipment, ships, and aircrafts assembled here. Rosatom’s ships positioned to handle radioactive materials.
Secondary Site:
Vologda-20, north of Moscow, where 9 launch positions are being constructed. It also has nuclear warhead storage.
2025 Update:
In August 2025, airspace was closed (August 7-12, extended to September 6). The U.S. nuclear sniffer plane (WC-135) monitored the Barents Sea for radiation.
Source: aajtak
Ukrainian intelligence suggests new tests aim at strengthening Putin’s stance before the Putin-Trump meeting.
Putin's Visit:
In August 2025, Putin visited the Sarov Nuclear Center for discussions involving the Burevestnik.
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