Moscow, October 27 (Udaipur Kiran): Russia has successfully tested the world’s first nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik-9M739, which President Vladimir Putin claims possesses an unlimited strike range and cannot be intercepted by any existing defence system.

During a video conference on Sunday, Putin confirmed that all tests of the missile have been completed successfully. Russian Army Chief Valery Gerasimov informed Putin that the missile’s latest test was conducted on October 21, during which it reportedly flew for 15 hours, covering a distance of 14,000 kilometres. He added that this is not the missile’s maximum range, and it can travel even farther.

According to reports, the missile has a speed of about 1,300 km/h. Putin said, “No other country in the world possesses such a weapon. Many experts once doubted its feasibility, but today it is a reality.” He has also directed the Russian military to begin preparations to induct the missile into service.

A Missile Beyond Detection

The Burevestnik (9M730) is a nuclear-powered cruise missile that uses a miniature nuclear reactor instead of conventional fuel, enabling it to fly virtually unlimited distances. Its low-altitude flight path—between 50 and 100 metres above ground—and ability to change direction mid-flight make it nearly impossible to detect or intercept by traditional air defence systems.

A U.S. Air Force report suggests that once operational, the missile will give Russia intercontinental strike capabilities ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 kilometres, allowing it to target any region, including the United States, from Russian territory.

Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow predictable trajectories through space and can be tracked, Burevestnik remains within the atmosphere, flying close to the ground while constantly altering its route, complicating any interception attempt.

How the Missile Works

The missile is launched using a solid-fuel rocket booster, which activates a nuclear reactor once airborne. The reactor then powers the missile, allowing continuous flight over long distances.

According to a Reuters investigation, the testing site is believed to be located 475 km north of Moscow, where nine new launch pads have reportedly been constructed.

Putin had earlier claimed in 2023 that the missile had achieved successful final testing, but no official confirmation was available at that time.

Experts Raise Safety Concerns

Arms control expert Jeffrey Lewis described the Burevestnik test as “a flying Chernobyl”, referring to the catastrophic 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Lewis warned that such a weapon poses serious environmental and safety risks, as it carries a nuclear reactor onboard, which could spread radiation in the event of a crash or malfunction.

“This missile is highly dangerous and destabilising. It feels like something straight out of a science fiction movie,” he said, adding that it could make global arms control efforts even more difficult.

Trump Urges Putin to Stop Tests

Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticised Russia’s missile testing, urging Putin to “end the war instead of conducting dangerous experiments.” In a statement issued on Monday, Trump called the missile test “a mistake” and reiterated his push for developing ‘Golden Dome’ defence systems to protect the U.S. from future threats like Burevestnik.

Technical Challenges and Accidents

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Russia still faces several technical challenges in safely operating the missile’s nuclear propulsion system. The institute noted that many earlier tests failed, and in 2019, a deadly explosion during testing in Nyonoksa killed seven scientists and led to a spike in radiation levels in the nearby Severodvinsk area.

Despite these setbacks, Russia appears determined to bring the Burevestnik into operational service, marking a new and potentially dangerous chapter in global weapons development.