Putin Enthuses Completion of Russia’s Long-Range Nuclear-Powered Missile Test

President Vladimir Putin has confirmed the successful final trial of Russia’s nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, highlighting Moscow’s ongoing efforts to develop unconventional military technology amid the Ukraine conflict.

The missile, designed to travel extreme distances while flying low to evade detection, represents a departure from conventional chemically-fuelled systems.

Experts say it is intended to challenge Western air defences and expand Russia’s strategic options.

“The Burevestnik uses a nuclear reactor to heat and expel air for propulsion, giving it extended range and endurance,” said Amaury Dufay of France’s Strategy and Defence Studies Institute.

He noted that the missile can sustain long-duration flights with minimal fuel consumption.

In its most recent test on 21 October, the weapon reportedly covered around 14,000 kilometres over 15 hours, demonstrating the capacity to reach targets in North America. Its low-altitude flight, between 15 and 200 metres, makes detection more difficult, experts said.

French nuclear analyst Heloise Fayet pointed out that the missile remains relatively slow, limiting its agility. Nevertheless, she suggested that it could be paired with traditional missiles to weaken defences prior to a strike.

“While it has not yet entered operational service, the missile serves as a strategic signal,” Fayet said. “Testing demonstrates credibility and keeps opponents alert, even if deployment infrastructure is still under development.”

The Burevestnik also carries potential radioactive hazards once its reactor is active. Dufay warned that close-range handling could expose personnel to radiation, although monitoring during the latest test detected no abnormal levels.

Fayet confirmed that Norwegian agencies and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty instruments registered no radiation during the flight.

Russian analyst Dmitry Stefanovich noted that the weapon could potentially take unorthodox flight paths, circumventing heavily defended routes to reach its intended targets.

Experts caution that, while the missile’s immediate strategic impact may be limited, it signals Moscow’s ability to innovate in nuclear propulsion and long-range weaponry.