In Washington, two researchers have claimed they have identified the probable deployment site in Russia of the 9M370 Burevestnik, a new nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile promoted by President Vladimir Putin as “invincible. The missile is known to NATO as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall. However, some Western experts argue that it will not add capabilities that Moscow does not already have and poses a risk of a radiation-spewing mishap.
The researchers identified a construction project adjacent to a nuclear warhead storage facility as the new missile’s probable deployment site using satellite imagery. They assert that the Burevestnik’s nuclear-powered engine threatens to release radiation along its flight path, increasing the risk of an accident that could contaminate the surrounding area.
Despite concerns about the missile’s safety and effectiveness, it is not banned by New START, the last U.S.-Russian accord limiting strategic nuclear weapon deployments, which expires in February 2026. However, a provision allows Washington to request negotiations with Moscow on bringing the Burevestnik under the caps, but no such talks have been sought.
The Burevestnik has a poor test record of at least 13 known tests since 2016, with only two partial successes, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), an advocacy group focused on reducing nuclear, biological and emergent technology risks. The missile’s potential range is some 15,000 miles compared to more than 11,000 miles for Russia’s newest ICBM.
The researchers argue that the Burevestnik could have a range of some 15,000 miles, while its subsonic speed would make it detectable. They contend that the missile is likely to be as vulnerable as any other cruise missile due to its longer flight time, which increases the risk of detection and interception.
The Burevestnik’s deployment is not banned by New START, the last U.S.-Russian accord limiting strategic nuclear weapon deployments, which expires in February 2026. A provision allows Washington to request negotiations with Moscow on bringing the Burevestnik under the caps but no such talks have been sought.
Citing the war in Ukraine, Russia has spurned U.S. calls for unconditional talks on replacing New START, stoking fears of an all-out nuclear arms race when it expires. Podvig said Moscow might use the missile as a bargaining chip if talks ever resume.
The Burevestnik has a poor test record since 2016, with only two partial successes, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), an advocacy group focused on reducing nuclear, biological and emergent technology risks. The missile’s potential range is some 15,000 miles compared to more than 11,000 miles for Russia’s newest ICBM.
The researchers argue that the Burevestnik could have a range of some 15,000 miles, while its subsonic speed would make it detectable. They contend that the missile is likely to be as vulnerable as any other cruise missile due to its longer flight time, which increases the risk of detection and interception.
Despite concerns about the missile’s safety and effectiveness, it is not banned by New START, the last U.S.-Russian accord limiting strategic nuclear weapon deployments, which expires in February 2026. However, a provision allows Washington to request negotiations with Moscow on bringing the Burevestnik under the caps but no such talks have been sought.
Citing the war in Ukraine, Russia has spurned U.S. calls for unconditional talks on replacing New START, stoking fears of an all-out nuclear arms race when it expires. Podvig said Moscow might use the missile as a bargaining chip if talks ever resume.
In Washington, two researchers have claimed they have identified the probable deployment site in Russia of the 9M370 Burevestnik, a new nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile promoted by President Vladimir Putin as “invincible. The missile is known to NATO as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall. However, some Western experts argue that it will not add capabilities that Moscow does not already have and poses a risk of a radiation-spewing mishap.
The researchers identified a construction project adjacent to a nuclear warhead storage facility as the new missile’s probable deployment site using satellite imagery. They assert that the Burevestnik’s nuclear-powered engine threatens to release radiation along its flight path, increasing the risk of an accident that could contaminate the surrounding area.
Despite concerns about the missile’s safety and effectiveness, it is not banned by New START, the last U.S.-Russian accord limiting strategic nuclear weapon deployments, which expires in February 2026. However, a provision allows Washington to request negotiations with Moscow on bringing the Burevestnik under the caps but no such talks have been sought.
The Burevestnik has a poor test record since 2016, with only two partial successes, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), an advocacy group focused on reducing nuclear, biological and emergent technology risks. The missile’s potential range is some 15,000 miles compared to more than 11,000 miles for Russia’s newest ICBM.
The researchers argue that the Burevestnik could have a range of some 15,000 miles, while its subsonic speed would make it detectable. They contend that the missile is likely to be as vulnerable as any other cruise missile due to its longer flight time, which increases the risk of detection and interception.
Despite concerns about the missile’s safety and effectiveness, it is not banned by New START, the last U.S.-Russian accord limiting strategic nuclear weapon deployments, which expires in February 2026. However, a provision allows Washington to request negotiations with Moscow on bringing the Burevestnik under the caps but no such talks have been sought.
Citing the war in Ukraine, Russia has spurned U.S. calls for unconditional talks on replacing New START, stoking fears of an all-out nuclear arms race when it expires. Podvig said Moscow might use the missile as a bargaining chip if talks ever resume.
