Two US researchers have identified a potential deployment site for Russia’s 9M370 Burevestnik cruise missile, a nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed weapon touted by Russian President Vladimir Putin as “invincible.” Utilizing satellite imagery, the researchers pinpointed a construction project adjacent to a nuclear warhead storage facility, known as Vologda-20 or Chebsara, located about 475 kilometers north of Moscow. This facility, previously associated with land-based missile payloads, might now be the home for the Burevestnik, potentially enabling rapid launch capabilities.
The 9M370 Burevestnik, also known by its NATO designation SSC-X-9 Skyfall, represents one of the most controversial weapons in Russia’s arsenal. Revealed by Putin in 2018, it’s designed to carry a nuclear warhead and is propelled by a nuclear-powered engine, theoretically providing unlimited range. The International Institute for Strategic Studies estimates the Burevestnik could have a range of up to 20,000 kilometers, allowing it to strike targets globally from within Russian territory.
While details about the Burevestnik’s technical specifications remain limited, it is believed to be launched by a solid-fuel rocket, which then propels air into a miniature nuclear reactor. This reactor superheats the air, generating thrust and enabling the missile to stay airborne for extended periods. Estimates suggest the missile is approximately 12 meters long at launch, shrinking to 9 meters during flight, with an elliptical nose measuring about 1 meter by 1.5 meters. Reports indicate it might be launched from ground-based Transporter Erector Launchers (TEL) vehicles, such as the MZKT-7930, given its considerable weight due to the nuclear propulsion system.
If deployed successfully, the Burevestnik would provide Russia with a “unique weapon with intercontinental-range capability,” according to a 2020 report by the US Air Force. Its ability to fly at low altitudes and change course unpredictably could potentially evade current missile defense systems. However, some Western experts question its strategic value, arguing it doesn’t significantly enhance Russia’s existing nuclear capabilities. Others criticize it as a “uniquely stupid weapon system,” highlighting the potential for catastrophic accidents and radioactive contamination.
Despite these concerns, the Burevestnik’s development and potential deployment are not restricted by the New START treaty, the last remaining US-Russia arms control agreement, set to expire in 2026. Russia has suspended its participation in negotiations to extend the treaty, raising concerns about a potential unchecked nuclear arms race. Experts suggest Moscow might use the Burevestnik as a bargaining chip in future arms control discussions.
Despite its potential, the missile has faced technical difficulties and a poor testing record. Since 2016, at least 13 tests have been conducted, with only two partial successes reported. The most notorious failure occurred in 2019, when an explosion during a recovery attempt led to a radiation leak in the White Sea, killing five Russian nuclear specialists. This incident highlighted the severe environmental and safety risks posed by the missile, earning it the nickname “flying Chernobyl.”
The Burevestnik is part of a suite of advanced strategic weapons that Russia has been developing, including the Sarmat ICBM, Avangard HGV, and Poseidon UUV. These “super weapons” aim to reinforce Russia’s nuclear deterrence and enhance its global military posture. However, the Burevestnik’s development has faced numerous challenges, both technical and diplomatic. Despite Putin’s claims of the missile’s unparalleled capabilities, its troubled testing history and the inherent risks of nuclear propulsion raise questions about its operational deployment. Western experts have doubted its operational deployment, with some suggesting it could be a decade away.
In the meantime, the Burevestnik’s development continues to complicate international arms control efforts. As the New START treaty nears its expiration, the inclusion of new strategic systems like the Burevestnik in future negotiations will be a key issue.
