Russia announced on Sunday that it has completed a successful test of the nuclear-powered cruise missile 9M730 Burevestnik, also known by NATO as the “SSC-X-9 Skyfall,” as President Vladimir Putin confirmed the weapon had flown approximately 14,000 km (8,700 miles) over about 15 hours.
The Russia Burevestnik Missile test is displayed by Moscow as a strategic milestone: a weapon with an “almost unlimited” range and the ability to evade current and future defence systems. Its deployment would mark a significant escalation in Russia’s nuclear deterrence posture and send a strong message to the West amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov informed President Putin that the Burevestnik “travelled 14,000 km… and was in the air for about 15 hours” during the test conducted on October 21.
Putin, appearing in military fatigue during the announcement, declared the Russia Burevestnik Missile “unique … which nobody else in the world has,” showcasing its nuclear-capable credentials and alleged immunity from missile defences.
The Kremlin also revealed that a comprehensive strategic nuclear drill, involving land, sea and air nuclear forces, had taken place in conjunction with the missile test. The exercise involved launches of ICBMs and cruise missiles, thereby showcasing the full scope of Russia’s nuclear triad.
Read Also: Russian Missile, Drone Attack Kyiv Kills 2, Injures 13
Putin told Gerasimov that infrastructure and classification processes for the Burevestnik must move quickly toward deployment. “We need to determine the possible uses … and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying these weapons to our armed forces,” Putin said.
Russia first unveiled the Burevestnik in 2018. The weapon is designed as a ground-launched, nuclear-powered cruise missile with very low flight altitude and an unpredictable trajectory. Western experts say its strategic value remains unclear and that it has a checkered test record, including a 2019 explosion that killed nuclear specialists.
The timing of the announcement comes as the U.S. under President Donald Trump takes a more confrontational stance toward Russia over Ukraine. Moscow’s message appears to be that it retains advanced nuclear capabilities and remains a major military competitor. Reuters described the test as “sending a message that Russia … will never bow to pressure from the West over the war in Ukraine.”
With testing reportedly concluded, Russia is now shifting focus toward operational deployment of the Burevestnik.