Russia Tests Burevestnik; US, Experts Criticize

On Oct. 21 Russia announced it tested the nuclear‑powered, nuclear‑capable 9M730 Burevestnik (SSC‑X‑9 Skyfall), saying the missile flew roughly 14,000 km and remained airborne for about 15 hours; President Vladimir Putin called it “unique” and ordered preparations for deployment. Moscow said a small onboard nuclear reactor gives the system effectively unlimited range, the ability to loiter and fly unpredictable low‑altitude routes to evade U.S. and NATO missile defenses. Russian officials also acknowledged further work and infrastructure would be required before any operational fielding. Western experts warned the program is hazardous, pointed to earlier technical failures and safety and contamination concerns, and renewed arms‑control worries; analyst Jeffrey Lewis described it as “a tiny flying Chernobyl.” U.S. President Donald Trump called the test “not appropriate,” said the United States is “not playing games” with nuclear deterrence, noted U.S. submarines near Russian waters, and urged Putin to end the war in Ukraine rather than conduct such tests. The announcement came amid the war in Ukraine, concurrent strategic‑force drills and recent sanctions, and was widely interpreted as a strategic signal to the West.