Putin announces successful nuclear-powered missile test and suggests revisiting global atomic test ban
- In Reports
- 05:19 PM, Oct 06, 2023
- Myind Staff
Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that the country has conducted a successful test of an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile. In addition, he issued a warning that the Russian parliament might consider revoking its ratification of a treaty that bans nuclear testing.
During a speech at a forum of foreign policy experts, Putin declared that Russia has made significant progress in developing the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Sarmat heavy intercontinental ballistic missile, with plans to move forward with production.
"We conducted the last successful test of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered global-range cruise missile," Putin stated without providing further details. This marks the first public acknowledgment of a successful Burevestnik test, a missile referred to as "Storm Petrel," which Putin initially mentioned in 2018.
Putin announced the successful testing of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, previously known as "Skyfall" by NATO, during a foreign policy experts' forum. Little is known about this missile, but it is believed to have the capacity to carry either nuclear or conventional warheads and can stay aloft for extended periods due to its nuclear propulsion system.
When Putin first mentioned the weapon in 2018, he claimed it had an unlimited range, evading missile defenses. However, skepticism remains due to concerns about handling and environmental impact. A 2019 explosion during testing attributed to Burevestnik, raised safety concerns.
Putin suggested Russia might reconsider its commitment to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, mirroring the U.S., amid worries that Russia could resume nuclear tests to deter Western support for Ukraine after its invasion. The Burevestnik, known as Skyfall by NATO, remains shrouded in mystery. Many Western experts express skepticism about its reliability due to its nuclear propulsion system.
It is believed that the missile can carry a nuclear or conventional warhead, offering the potential for extended flight durations and extended ranges compared to other missiles, courtesy of its nuclear propulsion.
When Putin initially unveiled the weapon during his 2018 state-of-the-nation address, he asserted that it boasted an unlimited range, enabling it to circumnavigate the globe while evading missile defense systems.
However, numerous observers have maintained reservations, citing concerns about the weapon's manageability and environmental hazards. The United States and the Soviet Union had previously pursued nuclear-powered rocket engines during the Cold War but abandoned those efforts due to perceived risks.
The Burevestnik reportedly experienced an explosion in August 2019 during testing at a Russian navy range on the White Sea. This tragic incident claimed the lives of five nuclear engineers and two servicemen and led to a temporary spike in radioactivity, causing concerns in a nearby city. Although Russian authorities did not confirm the weapon's involvement, the United States identified it as the Burevestnik.
Reportedly, Russia has established testing facilities for the Burevestnik in the Arctic Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the Soviet Union conducted its last nuclear tests.
Putin's statement has raised concerns about Russia potentially resuming nuclear tests to deter the West from providing military support to Ukraine in light of the Kremlin's recent troop deployment to the country. Several Russian hawks have expressed support for a resumption of nuclear testing. “There is no situation in which anything would threaten Russian statehood and the existence of the Russian state,” he said. “I think that no person of sober mind and clear memory could have an idea to use nuclear weapons against Russia.”
Image source: CNN
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