Russia has tested the "Burevestnik" nuclear-powered cruise missile, according to the highest-ranking Russian general.
"We conducted a multi-hour flight of a missile with a nuclear engine, which covered a distance of 14,000 km (8700 miles), which is not the limit," said the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov to President Vladimir Putin in a televised meeting.
The announcement was likely met with increased attention from international observers, given the geopolitical situation. The specifics of the "Burevestnik" are of interest due to its potential impact on global security.
The low-flying experimental weapon, first announced in 2018, is described as possessing a potentially unlimited range and the ability to evade missile defense. The possibility of long flights and maneuvering of such a missile raises questions about the stability of the strategic balance on a global scale.
President Putin likely received the information as proof of the capabilities of the Russian military industry. In the televised meeting, the atmosphere could be described as official, with an emphasis on demonstrating Russia's military power.
Western experts had previously expressed doubts about the strategic value of the missile and Russian claims of its successful testing. These reservations were likely driven by concerns about the credibility of Moscow's claims and the technical difficulties associated with the development of such a complex system. The development of the "Burevestnik" raises questions about compliance with international treaties and restrictions on nuclear weapons.