Russia Announces Effective Trial of Reactor-Driven Storm Petrel Weapon
Russia has tested the atomic-propelled Burevestnik long-range missile, according to the nation's senior general.
"We have executed a multi-hour flight of a reactor-driven projectile and it traveled a 8,700-mile distance, which is not the limit," Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to the head of state in a public appearance.
The low-flying advanced armament, initially revealed in recent years, has been hailed as having a potentially unlimited range and the ability to avoid defensive systems.
Western experts have in the past questioned over the weapon's military utility and Russian claims of having successfully tested it.
The national leader declared that a "final successful test" of the armament had been held in 2023, but the assertion was not externally confirmed. Of a minimum of thirteen documented trials, just two instances had partial success since several years ago, as per an arms control campaign group.
The general said the missile was in the atmosphere for fifteen hours during the evaluation on 21 October.
He explained the weapon's altitude and course adjustments were assessed and were determined to be up to specification, according to a national news agency.
"As a result, it exhibited superior performance to evade anti-missile and aerial protection," the outlet quoted the official as saying.
The projectile's application has been the subject of heated controversy in armed forces and security communities since it was initially revealed in 2018.
A previous study by a foreign defence research body determined: "A nuclear-powered cruise missile would offer Moscow a unique weapon with worldwide reach potential."
Yet, as a global defence think tank observed the corresponding time, the nation faces considerable difficulties in achieving operational status.
"Its entry into the nation's inventory potentially relies not only on resolving the substantial engineering obstacle of ensuring the reliable performance of the atomic power system," specialists wrote.
"There were several flawed evaluations, and an incident resulting in a number of casualties."
A defence publication quoted in the report claims the weapon has a operational radius of between 10,000 and 20,000km, permitting "the missile to be based anywhere in Russia and still be able to reach targets in the American territory."
The same journal also explains the weapon can travel as at minimal altitude as 164 to 328 feet above the surface, making it difficult for air defences to stop.
The weapon, referred to as a specific moniker by an international defence pact, is thought to be propelled by a reactor system, which is supposed to activate after initial propulsion units have launched it into the air.
An investigation by a news agency recently pinpointed a facility 475km north of Moscow as the possible firing point of the armament.
Utilizing space-based photos from August 2024, an analyst reported to the agency he had observed multiple firing positions being built at the site.
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