Russia is ramping up preparations for a significant test of its nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, at the Pankovo test range in the Arctic archipelago of Novaya Zemlya. Recent satellite imagery and open-source intelligence indicate increased activity, including the presence of earthmoving trucks, shipping containers, and heavy aircraft. This surge in operations coincides with favorable weather conditions for such projects, making it a prime time for military testing.
According to Decker Eveleth, a researcher at the Center for Naval Analyses, the operational sites for the Burevestnik are nearing completion. “This is going to be an operational system pretty soon here,” he stated, suggesting that the current activity may represent a final check before operational testing. Fellow arms control expert Pavel Podvig echoed this sentiment, indicating that the test might have already occurred given the extent of preparation.
The Burevestnik, also known as Skyfall by NATO, has been in development for over a decade. It is one of several advanced systems that Russian designers are focusing on as the Kremlin invests heavily in military capabilities amid a largely unacknowledged arms race, particularly with the United States. Other key systems under development include the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, the Poseidon nuclear-powered torpedo, and the Avangard hypersonic missile.
In public appearances during 2018 and 2019, Russian President Vladimir Putin showcased the capabilities of these weapons, emphasizing their strategic importance. Notably, the Burevestnik has garnered attention not only for its potential but also due to its troubled testing history. The missile is designed to utilize a small nuclear reactor for propulsion, theoretically allowing it to remain airborne for extended periods while evading missile defenses.
The Burevestnik has undergone multiple tests, with notable incidents occurring in August 2019 when an explosion during recovery efforts resulted in radiation exposure and the death of five specialists from Rosatom, the state-owned nuclear corporation overseeing its development. The explosion was attributed to a nuclear reaction during the attempted recovery of the missile. Previous tests have also encountered failures, including a crash in the Barents Sea.
Eveleth remarked on the persistence of Russian officials in continuing the Burevestnik’s development despite setbacks. “They kept going for it for 15 years. And they are really dedicated to it,” he noted.
Recent satellite imagery indicates that Russian workers have begun clearing equipment from Novaya Zemlya, suggesting a test may have taken place. This timing aligns with a significant summit between Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska, potentially serving as a message of strength from the Kremlin.
On August 22, Putin visited Sarov, a city comparable to Los Alamos in terms of nuclear development, where he was greeted by high-ranking military officials, including General Valery Gerasimov and Sergei Kiriyenko, former head of Rosatom. Podvig suggested that this visit, combined with the testing activity, indicates a strategic showcase of Russia’s military advancements.
The significance of the Burevestnik lies not only in its technical capabilities but also in the political messaging it provides. Eveleth emphasized that the sophistication of Russia’s nuclear arsenal is crucial for the Kremlin. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding US missile defense systems, and the Burevestnik is designed to counteract such threats.
As Russia continues to advance its military technologies, the world watches closely for the implications of these developments on international security dynamics.
