Moscow has confirmed the successful test of the 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear cruise missile, which has virtually unlimited range, can be launched from Su-34/Su-57 aircraft, and poses a major geostrategic challenge.
Summary
Russia claims to have successfully tested a nuclear-powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik (NATO code “SSC-X-9 Skyfall”), capable of being launched from aircraft such as the Su-34 or Su-57. According to official statements, the missile traveled approximately 14,000 km in nearly 15 hours, marking a major technological leap forward. This test comes amid high tensions with the West and is part of Russia’s strategy to strengthen its autonomous strategic strike capability. The announcement has reignited the debate on nuclear proliferation, conventional deterrence, and the vulnerability of missile defenses.
The 9M730 Burevestnik: technology and characteristics
A unique nuclear propulsion system
The Burevestnik cruise missile uses an onboard nuclear reaction as its energy source, giving it a virtually unlimited range according to Russian statements. Nuclear propulsion makes it possible for the missile to fly for hours or even days, bypassing the constraints of conventional fuels. The manufacturer mentions a flight of “14,000 km in 15 hours” for the test on October 21, 2025.
The major technological advantage lies in the combination of compact propulsion and a low-altitude trajectory (sometimes announced at 50-100 m) to reduce radar detection.
Claimed performance
According to Russian Chief of Staff General Valery Gerasimov, the test consisted of a 14,000 km (~8,700 mile) flight over 15 hours, with horizontal and vertical maneuvers. Moscow claims that the craft can bypass any current and future missile defenses thanks to its unpredictable trajectory. However, several Western observers point out that the system has experienced numerous failures and that only a handful of tests have been partially successful.
Launch from aircraft expected
The announced version of the Burevestnik is designed to be launched from fighter jets such as the Su-34 or Su-57, which facilitates projection and concealment. This enhances its potential for strategic air strikes, as the aircraft can approach the target and then launch the weapon, which can travel several thousand kilometers.
The context and timing of the test
The geopolitical context
This test comes at a time when Russia is asserting its deterrence posture toward NATO and the United States. President Vladimir Putin has described the weapon as “unique” and “unmatched in the world.” The message is clear: Moscow wants to assert its freedom of action and its ability to strike at long range without being countered by Western shields.
The timing of the test—which was announced publicly—coincides with diplomatic negotiations on armament, an increase in Russian nuclear exercises, and heightened pressure surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.
A response to Western missile defenses
The development of the Burevestnik is a direct response to the US withdrawal from the ABM Treaty (1972) and the rise of Western anti-missile systems. By claiming unlimited range and an evasive trajectory, Russia seeks to render interception defense obsolete.
The test also serves to prepare for future deployment, as ordered by the Russian president.
Technological advances and challenges
Claimed advances
- Onboard nuclear propulsion, paving the way for extended flight times.
- Very low altitude flight (~50-100 m) to reduce detection.
- Trajectory described as unpredictable, making location and interception more complex.
- Strategic strike capabilities from an aerial platform, adding flexibility.
Challenges and skepticism
- The nuclear engine is complex and has been involved in accidents: an incident in 2019 in Nyonoksa caused an explosion and radioactive emissions, possibly linked to this program.
- The exact number of successful tests is low: according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, only two partial successes out of 13 known tests.
- The extended flight time makes the vehicle vulnerable: the longer a missile flies, the more likely it is to be detected. Some experts believe that nuclear propulsion improves portability, but not necessarily stealth.
- Launching from an aircraft requires a platform that can be detected and neutralized before launch.
Geostrategic consequences
Redefining deterrence
With the Burevestnik, Russia claims to have a weapon that can strike anywhere on the planet without warning. This redefines the traditional balance between ballistic missiles and interception systems. The West faces a new challenge: how to intercept a stealthy, long-range nuclear-powered weapon?
International security is affected: such a device could erode the stability of deterrence, as potential aggressors believe they can strike and leave before retaliation.
Pressure on non-proliferation
This test revives concerns about nuclear proliferation. A nuclear-powered weapon is difficult to monitor, track, and ban. It raises questions about the enforcement of current treaties and the value of international controls.
In addition, fears of radioactive leakage or in-flight accidents make test flights particularly problematic in terms of environmental safety.
Implications for manned combat platforms
For the West, this type of missile means anticipating the potential destruction or impotence of fixed bases. This reinforces the importance of early detection capabilities, the mobility of strategic weapons, and a more robust defense network.
By combining this weapon with fighter jets such as the Su-34 or Su-57, Russia is considering a hybrid strike mode: manned aircraft + long-range missile = decentralized projection.
Operational credibility and uncertainties
Current status
Moscow claims that the October 21, 2025 test was successful and that the missile will be deployed soon. However, observers point out that the technical reality remains unclear, that the data has not been independently verified, and that the program’s past has been marked by failures.
The Russian arsenal already includes hypersonic missiles such as the Kh-47 M2 Kinzhal and ballistic systems such as the RS-28 Sarmat. The Burevestnik adds a special dimension, but its concrete advantage remains to be demonstrated.
Deployment scenarios
Russia could base these missiles on fixed or mobile ground launchers, or on dedicated aircraft. Some sites identified via satellite, such as Vologda-20 (Chebsara) north of Moscow, are reportedly already equipped.
Some analyses suggest that it could be operational between 2027 and 2030, but this depends on the reliability of the nuclear propulsion system and operational integration.
The impact on the West and measures to be considered
Challenges for missile defense
Existing systems (radars, interceptor missiles) are optimized for conventional ballistic or cruise trajectories. A nuclear-powered missile with a low, maneuverable trajectory poses a different challenge. The West will need to:
- strengthen low-altitude, long-range detection and tracking of thermal or nuclear signatures;
- develop cruise-phase interceptors, not just ballistic ones;
- integrate satellites, drones, and underwater sensors for global surveillance.
The diplomatic and strategic response
Evidence of such a weapon could reignite the arms race and prompt allies to reconsider their nuclear and conventional posture. For NATO, this means strengthening strategic components, adjusting response doctrines, and increasing vigilance over Russian tests.
Furthermore, international non-proliferation controls could come under pressure: how can a weapon that circumvents the traditional limits of the New START treaty or the Partial Test Ban Treaty be supervised?
Russia’s claim of a successful test of the 9M730 Burevestnik missile is intended to mark the beginning of a new strategic era, in which on-board nuclear propulsion and stealth trajectories challenge traditional defense logic. It remains to be seen whether this weapon will become operational and credible in the coming years, or whether it will remain a strong political signal, but technologically uncertain. The global sky could be profoundly transformed as a result.
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