Russia Confirms Effective Evaluation of Nuclear-Powered Storm Petrel Missile

Russia has tested the atomic-propelled Burevestnik long-range missile, as stated by the state's senior general.

"We have executed a multi-hour flight of a atomic-propelled weapon and it traveled a 8,700-mile distance, which is not the limit," Chief of General Staff the commander reported to the Russian leader in a public appearance.

The low-altitude experimental weapon, originally disclosed in recent years, has been described as having a potentially unlimited range and the ability to evade missile defences.

Foreign specialists have earlier expressed skepticism over the missile's strategic value and Russian claims of having successfully tested it.

The president stated that a "final successful test" of the missile had been carried out in last year, but the statement lacked outside validation. Of a minimum of thirteen documented trials, only two had limited accomplishment since the mid-2010s, as per an disarmament advocacy body.

Gen Gerasimov reported the projectile was in the sky for a significant duration during the evaluation on October 21.

He said the missile's vertical and horizontal manoeuvring were tested and were determined to be up to specification, as per a local reporting service.

"Consequently, it demonstrated advanced abilities to bypass anti-missile and aerial protection," the media source stated the general as saying.

The projectile's application has been the topic of intense debate in military and defence circles since it was originally disclosed in 2018.

A recent analysis by a US Air Force intelligence center stated: "A reactor-driven long-range projectile would provide the nation a singular system with worldwide reach potential."

However, as a foreign policy research organization noted the identical period, the nation confronts considerable difficulties in developing a functional system.

"Its induction into the country's inventory arguably hinges not only on overcoming the substantial engineering obstacle of guaranteeing the reliable performance of the atomic power system," specialists wrote.

"There were several flawed evaluations, and an accident leading to several deaths."

A armed forces periodical referenced in the report asserts the weapon has a flight distance of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, permitting "the projectile to be based throughout the nation and still be equipped to strike targets in the continental US."

The identical publication also notes the projectile can operate as at minimal altitude as 164 to 328 feet above the surface, making it difficult for air defences to stop.

The weapon, referred to as a specific moniker by a foreign security organization, is considered driven by a reactor system, which is designed to commence operation after initial propulsion units have launched it into the air.

An examination by a media outlet last year identified a location a considerable distance above the capital as the probable deployment area of the armament.

Utilizing orbital photographs from the recent past, an expert told the service he had identified nine horizontal launch pads in development at the location.

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