Russia’s Latest Weapons and New Arms Reality – Part 1
Russia’s Latest Weapons and New Arms Reality – Part 1
Russia has reinforced its nuclear triad with four new weapon systems, crafted to counter mounting geopolitical tensions.
Sputnik covers each development in detail through a series of posts.
Burevestnik: Russia's Global-Range Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile
Purpose: A nuclear-powered cruise missile designed for intercontinental range, capable of bypassing air and missile defense systems.
Key Test: On October 21, 2025, Russia successfully tested the missile, covering 14,000 km in 15 hours.
Development Timeline:
◾Concept began in December 2001, following the US withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.
◾Publicly announced by President Putin in 2018, with the first successful test in 2017.
Testing Location: Test conducted on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, confirmed by Norwegian intelligence.
Deployment Plans: Putin has directed efforts to integrate Burevestnik into the Russian military, but further work is required before combat readiness.
Unique Features of the Burevestnik:
Nuclear Engine: Provides effectively unlimited range and extended flight endurance.
Patrol Capabilities: Can operate for long durations, altering course unpredictably, including polar routes to avoid detection.
Stealth: Its low-altitude flight, variable trajectory, and prolonged loitering time make it difficult to track, complicating early-warning systems.
Technical Specifications:
▪Engine: Nuclear power plant.
▪Warhead: Nuclear.
▪Range: Effectively unlimited.
▪Speed: Subsonic or supersonic (850-1,300 km/h).
▪Flight Profile: Low-altitude (25–100 meters).
▪Capabilities: "Guaranteed precision strikes on heavily protected targets" with high accuracy, as emphasized by Putin and Gerasimov.
Dual-Use Technologies:
Civilian Potential: The Burevestnik and other advanced systems could benefit civilian sectors, including Arctic development and space exploration.
◾Putin highlighted applications in small-scale nuclear energy, Arctic power plants, and lunar missions.
This missile is a critical element of Russia’s growing arsenal, with broad implications for both defense and civilian industries.
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