Russia Announces Successful Test of Atomic-Propelled Storm Petrel Weapon

Russia has tested the atomic-propelled Burevestnik cruise missile, as reported by the state's top military official.

"We have launched a extended flight of a nuclear-powered missile and it traveled a 14,000km distance, which is not the limit," Senior Military Leader the commander informed President Vladimir Putin in a televised meeting.

The terrain-hugging advanced armament, originally disclosed in 2018, has been hailed as having a potentially unlimited range and the capacity to bypass missile defences.

International analysts have previously cast doubt over the weapon's military utility and Moscow's assertions of having accomplished its evaluation.

The national leader said that a "final successful test" of the armament had been carried out in the previous year, but the statement was not externally confirmed. Of over a dozen recorded evaluations, merely a pair had limited accomplishment since several years ago, based on an arms control campaign group.

Gen Gerasimov said the missile was in the sky for fifteen hours during the test on 21 October.

He noted the missile's vertical and horizontal manoeuvring were tested and were confirmed as meeting requirements, according to a local reporting service.

"Therefore, it displayed advanced abilities to evade anti-missile and aerial protection," the media source quoted the general as saying.

The missile's utility has been the topic of heated controversy in armed forces and security communities since it was originally disclosed in the past decade.

A recent analysis by a American military analysis unit concluded: "A reactor-driven long-range projectile would provide the nation a distinctive armament with worldwide reach potential."

Yet, as a foreign policy research organization noted the identical period, Russia encounters considerable difficulties in making the weapon viable.

"Its integration into the country's inventory potentially relies not only on resolving the considerable technical challenge of ensuring the consistent operation of the reactor drive mechanism," analysts noted.

"There have been multiple unsuccessful trials, and a mishap causing a number of casualties."

A defence publication referenced in the analysis states the missile has a flight distance of between 6,200 and 12,400 miles, allowing "the weapon to be stationed across the country and still be equipped to strike objectives in the American territory."

The same journal also notes the weapon can operate as close to the ground as 50 to 100 metres above the surface, rendering it challenging for air defences to stop.

The projectile, designated an operational name by a foreign security organization, is considered powered by a atomic power source, which is designed to commence operation after primary launch mechanisms have launched it into the atmosphere.

An examination by a media outlet recently identified a location a considerable distance from the city as the possible firing point of the weapon.

Utilizing space-based photos from last summer, an specialist reported to the service he had identified multiple firing positions being built at the site.

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