Russia Reports Successful Test of Atomic-Propelled Storm Petrel Cruise Missile

Moscow has trialed the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, according to the state's senior general.

"We have conducted a extended flight of a reactor-driven projectile and it traveled a vast distance, which is not the limit," Top Army Official the commander informed the Russian leader in a televised meeting.

The low-altitude experimental weapon, first announced in 2018, has been described as having a possible global reach and the capability to evade defensive systems.

Western experts have previously cast doubt over the missile's strategic value and the nation's statements of having accomplished its evaluation.

The president declared that a "last accomplished trial" of the missile had been carried out in last year, but the statement could not be independently verified. Of at least 13 known tests, just two instances had partial success since 2016, based on an disarmament advocacy body.

Gen Gerasimov reported the weapon was in the air for a significant duration during the test on the specified date.

He noted the missile's vertical and horizontal manoeuvring were evaluated and were determined to be up to specification, based on a national news agency.

"Therefore, it demonstrated high capabilities to evade missile and air defence systems," the outlet stated the official as saying.

The missile's utility has been the focus of vigorous discussion in armed forces and security communities since it was initially revealed in 2018.

A recent analysis by a American military analysis unit determined: "A reactor-driven long-range projectile would offer Moscow a unique weapon with worldwide reach potential."

Yet, as a global defence think tank observed the corresponding time, the nation confronts major obstacles in achieving operational status.

"Its integration into the state's arsenal arguably hinges not only on overcoming the considerable technical challenge of ensuring the dependable functioning of the reactor drive mechanism," specialists wrote.

"There occurred multiple unsuccessful trials, and an accident leading to several deaths."

A armed forces periodical cited in the analysis states the weapon has a range of between 10,000 and 20,000km, allowing "the projectile to be based throughout the nation and still be capable to strike targets in the continental US."

The corresponding source also says the weapon can operate as at minimal altitude as 164 to 328 feet above the surface, rendering it challenging for defensive networks to intercept.

The missile, referred to as an operational name by a foreign security organization, is thought to be driven by a reactor system, which is designed to commence operation after solid fuel rocket boosters have sent it into the atmosphere.

An inquiry by a news agency recently pinpointed a site 295 miles above the capital as the likely launch site of the weapon.

Employing space-based photos from last summer, an specialist reported to the agency he had detected multiple firing positions under construction at the facility.

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