Russia Reports Effective Evaluation of Atomic-Propelled Storm Petrel Missile
Moscow has trialed the atomic-propelled Burevestnik strategic weapon, as stated by the state's leading commander.
"We have executed a prolonged flight of a reactor-driven projectile and it covered a 8,700-mile distance, which is not the maximum," Top Army Official the commander reported to the Russian leader in a broadcast conference.
The low-flying experimental weapon, originally disclosed in the past decade, has been hailed as having a theoretically endless flight path and the ability to evade missile defences.
Western experts have earlier expressed skepticism over the missile's strategic value and Moscow's assertions of having successfully tested it.
The national leader declared that a "final successful test" of the armament had been conducted in the previous year, but the assertion was not externally confirmed. Of at least 13 known tests, just two instances had moderate achievement since 2016, as per an arms control campaign group.
The general reported the weapon was in the atmosphere for fifteen hours during the test on the specified date.
He said the missile's vertical and horizontal manoeuvring were evaluated and were confirmed as up to specification, as per a national news agency.
"Consequently, it displayed high capabilities to evade missile and air defence systems," the outlet quoted the official as saying.
The projectile's application has been the topic of vigorous discussion in military and defence circles since it was originally disclosed in 2018.
A 2021 report by a US Air Force intelligence center stated: "A reactor-driven long-range projectile would give Russia a unique weapon with intercontinental range capability."
Yet, as a global defence think tank commented the same year, Moscow confronts significant challenges in achieving operational status.
"Its induction into the state's stockpile potentially relies not only on resolving the substantial engineering obstacle of securing the reliable performance of the atomic power system," analysts wrote.
"There occurred multiple unsuccessful trials, and an incident causing several deaths."
A armed forces periodical referenced in the analysis states the projectile has a flight distance of between a substantial span, enabling "the weapon to be based anywhere in Russia and still be equipped to strike goals in the American territory."
The same journal also says the projectile can travel as at minimal altitude as 50 to 100 metres above the earth, making it difficult for aerial protection systems to engage.
The weapon, referred to as Skyfall by a Western alliance, is believed to be powered by a atomic power source, which is designed to activate after solid fuel rocket boosters have sent it into the sky.
An investigation by a news agency recently identified a facility 475km from the city as the possible firing point of the armament.
Employing satellite imagery from the recent past, an expert reported to the outlet he had observed multiple firing positions in development at the location.
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