Russia’s ‘Unlimited Range’ Missile Marks New Nuclear Milestone

Russia has successfully completed the final test of its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, which is claimed to have unlimited range and the ability to evade missile defence systems.
President Vladimir Putin praised it as a “unique creation” unmatched by any other country, calling it a major advancement in Russia’s weapons program amid rising tensions over the Ukraine conflict.

Russia’s ‘Unlimited Range’ Missile Marks New Nuclear Milestone

Breakthrough Nuclear Propulsion Technology

The Burevestnik (9M730) — known by NATO as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall — uses a miniature nuclear reactor for propulsion.
This technology allows the missile to:

Fly at low altitudes for long durations
Manoeuvre unpredictably, making it difficult to detect or intercept
Achieve near-unlimited range

The nuclear propulsion unit activates after launch, once a liquid-fuel booster rocket pushes the missile to cruising speed.

Design and Functionality

The missile includes several advanced systems:

Guidance and control system
Wings for stability
Nuclear reactor
Compressor and turbine
Air inlet and exhaust system

Air is drawn into the missile, compressed, and expelled to generate thrust. The reactor’s heat powers an electric motor, while airflow prevents overheating.
This enables the missile to fly for thousands of kilometres without refuelling, carrying either nuclear or conventional warheads.

Operational Tests and Strategic Impact

In its latest test on October 21, the Burevestnik reportedly:

Flew for 15 hours
Covered 14,000 kilometres

Military officials claim this was not even its maximum capacity.
The missile’s ability to carry nuclear warheads and fly indefinitely poses new challenges for global missile defence systems.

President Putin has ordered the construction of deployment infrastructure, indicating that the weapon may soon be operational.

Exam-Oriented Facts

Missile Name: Burevestnik (9M730)
NATO Name: SSC-X-9 Skyfall
Type: Nuclear-powered cruise missile
Range: Theoretically unlimited
Propulsion System: Miniature nuclear reactor + liquid-fuel booster
Flight Test (2025): 15 hours, 14,000 km
Warhead Capability: Both nuclear and conventional
Key Feature: Can evade missile defence systems
Country: Russia
Announced By: President Vladimir Putin

Geopolitical Context and Security Concerns

The unveiling comes as Russia’s tensions with the West remain high due to the Ukraine war and stalled diplomatic talks with the United States.
Experts see the Burevestnik as a direct response to Western missile defence systems.

It reflects Russia’s aim to maintain strategic balance using next-generation nuclear weapons.
The missile’s combination of stealth, endurance, and global reach has revived international debates over nuclear deterrence and arms control.

Question & Answer

Q1. What is the NATO name for Russia’s Burevestnik missile?
(a) SSC-X-7 Shadow
(b) SSC-X-9 Skyfall
(c) SS-N-30 Kalibr
(d) SS-26 Stone
Answer: SSC-X-9 Skyfall

Q2. What type of propulsion system does the Burevestnik missile use?
(a) Solid fuel engine
(b) Liquid fuel engine
(c) Nuclear-powered propulsion system
(d) Hybrid chemical propulsion
Answer: Nuclear-powered propulsion system

Q3. During the recent test, how long did the Burevestnik missile reportedly fly?
(a) 8 hours
(b) 10 hours
(c) 12 hours
(d) 15 hours
Answer: 15 hours

Q4. What is the primary advantage of the Burevestnik missile?
(a) Hypersonic speed
(b) Unlimited operational range and stealth flight
(c) Lightweight design
(d) Satellite guidance
Answer: Unlimited operational range and stealth flight

Q5. Which country developed the Burevestnik missile?
(a) China
(b) United States
(c) Russia
(d) North Korea
Answer: Russia

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