Overview
- Russia’s top general, Valery Gerasimov, told Vladimir Putin the Burevestnik stayed aloft about 15 hours and flew roughly 14,000 km during a recent test.
- Moscow describes the missile as nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable with low-altitude flight paths intended to evade missile defenses.
- Norway’s prime minister called the test a worrying sign and, alongside Finland’s leader, stressed vigilance and preparedness without yielding to intimidation.
- The reported launch site remains disputed, with Russia pointing to the Amur region and Norway’s intelligence chief indicating Novaya Zemlya in the Arctic.
- Experts highlight a record of failed trials and a 2019 radiation-linked accident, and some argue the system adds little to the strategic balance even as US coverage notes potential complications for missile-defense projects like Golden Dome.