Several indicators point to russia preparing new tests of its 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile — one of Moscow’s so-called "one-of-a-kind" wunderwaffe heavily promoted by propaganda. Defense Romania highlights the clues.
Firstly, from August 7 to 12, russian aviation authorities issued a NOTAM covering 40,000 square kilometers over Novaya Zemlya. At least four russian vessels, previously anchored near the Pankovo test site, have moved into observation positions in the eastern Barents Sea, which is a standard safety measure during large missile trials.
Read more: What Is the russian 9M730 Burevestnik Nuclear Missile, and What Makes It Strange?
Also, in recent weeks, cargo ships have made multiple stops at Novaya Zemlya, suggesting logistical operations. Two specialized Rosatom surveillance aircraft have also been spotted at airfields on the archipelago — another sign of planned testing.
Still, Defense Express notes that it's unclear why analysts are certain the missile in question is specifically the Burevestnik. Western media tends to mention this weapon at least once a year in connection with possible trials, and this year's speculation may simply follow that pattern.
Little is publicly known about the 9M730. Reportedly, it uses a nuclear-powered engine to achieve unlimited range, but how exactly it works remains unclear. It presumably activates only after launch by a solid-propellant rocket booster.
In theory, it should be launched in advance, loiter in flight waiting for a strike order, then approach its target via unexpected routes. The russians believe that the missile will be thus be impossible to intercept, becoming an unprecedented type of weapon for the rest of the world to be reckoned with.
However, at 12 meters long, the missile would be relatively easy to detect and deploy countermeasures. This casts doubt on both the practicality of the concept and the real combat value of the weapon itself.
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