In News:

Russia has announced the successful testing of its Burevestnik nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile, significantly escalating global concerns regarding a renewed nuclear arms race. The missile, known in Russia as 9M730 Burevestnik (“Storm Petrel”), is part of a new class of strategic weapons first unveiled in 2018.

About the Burevestnik Missile

• Type: Ground-launched, low-flying cruise missile.
• Capabilities:
  • Nuclear-powered propulsion system.
  • Nuclear warhead–capable.
  • Designed for unlimited range and unpredictable flight trajectory.
• NATO Code Name: SSC-X-9 Skyfall.
• Developer: Russia.
• Introduced: One of six new strategic weapons announced by President Putin in 2018.

Key Features

1. Nuclear Propulsion System

• Powered by a miniaturised nuclear reactor.
• Reactor heats incoming air to generate thrust — replacing traditional chemical fuel.
• Enables theoretically unlimited flight time, constrained only by material durability and guidance systems.
• Offers the ability to loiter for days and strike from unexpected directions.

2. Long Range & Stealth

• Russia claims a test in 2023/2025 achieved:
  • 14,000 km travel
  • 15 hours of flight
• Low-altitude flight path makes detection by radar extremely difficult.
• Unpredictable trajectory designed to defeat missile defence systems.

3. Strategic Role

• Intended as a second-strike or surprise-attack weapon that can bypass US and NATO missile shields.
• Falls outside current New START definitions, as it is neither an ICBM, SLBM, nor heavy bomber.

Technical Background

• Nuclear-powered missiles were previously explored under the 1960s US Project Pluto (SLAM) but abandoned due to extreme safety risks.
• According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), the Burevestnik uses a compact reactor similar in concept to nuclear ramjet technology.

Arms Control Context – New START Treaty

• New START Treaty (effective 2011, extended to 2026) limits deployed strategic nuclear weapons of the US and Russia.
• Russia suspended participation in February 2023.
• The Burevestnik is not restricted under New START, as it represents a new category of strategic cruise missile not covered under existing treaty definitions.
• Russia’s testing signals an attempt to sidestep treaty limits and intensify the nuclear competition.

In News:

According to recent reports, Russia is preparing to conduct fresh trials of the 9M730 Burevestnik – a nuclear-powered cruise missile that has often been described as a “unique” and formidable addition to Moscow’s strategic arsenal.

About the Burevestnik

• The term Burevestnik translates to “storm petrel” in Russian.
• It is a ground-launched, nuclear-powered cruise missile, also capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
• The system was first unveiled by the Russian President in 2018, as part of six advanced strategic weapons.
• NATO has designated it as SSC-X-9 “Skyfall.”
• In theory, its nuclear propulsion allows it to circle the globe multiple times before striking a target, making it an unprecedented strategic weapon.

Key Features

• Nuclear Propulsion: The missile uses a compact nuclear reactor that heats the surrounding air for thrust.
• Extended Range: Unlike traditional engines restricted by fuel capacity, the nuclear design enables a potential range of up to 22,000 km (14,000 miles).
• Low-Altitude Flight: The system is engineered to fly close to the ground, significantly reducing its detectability by conventional air-defence radars.
• Strategic Significance: Its combination of long endurance and stealthy trajectory poses challenges to existing missile defence systems.