Russia Prepares Test of Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Missile

The Federal Government of Russia is preparing to test the 9M730 Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile known as the Flying Chernobyl. Designed to carry a nuclear warhead with unlimited range, the missile can fly for several days to evade Western air defenses.

Evidence of an imminent test includes the deployment of Il-976 SKIP trajectory-monitoring aircraft and A-50U early-warning aircraft to the Rogachyovo airbase on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. Civilian vessels have also positioned themselves in the Barents and Kara seas near the Pankovo test range.

This military activity coincides with heightened tensions between Moscow and London. Kremlin officials have warned of semi-military responses, including potential attacks on British drone and missile factories. These threats follow a visit to Kyiv by United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham to share missile production plans with Ukraine.