American researchers, Decker Eveleth and Jeffrey Lewis, have reportedly identified a potential deployment site for Russia’s nuclear-powered cruise missile, the “Burevestnik,” using satellite imagery.
The missile, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed can evade all missile defence systems, is believed to be stationed in the Vologda region of Russia.
According to the report, which references findings from Reuters, Eveleth, an analyst at the research and analysis organisation CNA, and Lewis, affiliated with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, examined satellite images from Planet Labs dated 26 July. Their analysis led to the identification of new construction near a nuclear warhead storage facility in the military town of Vologda-20.
Eveleth’s assessment highlights the presence of nine horizontal launch pads, organised into three groups within tall berms. These structures are likely designed to provide protection against attacks or accidental explosions. He stated that the site, located 475 kilometres north of Moscow, appears to be intended for a large stationary missile system, which aligns with the characteristics of the “Burevestnik” missile system currently under development by Russia.
The deployment of “Burevestnik” in the Vologda area, which houses nuclear warheads, suggests that the Russian military aims to maintain the capability to quickly launch the weapon if necessary. The “Burevestnik” system, known in NATO as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall, first became publicly known in 2018. At that time, President Putin claimed the missile had an almost unlimited range and could circumvent the U.S. missile defence system. However, experts have expressed scepticism regarding these assertions.
The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), an advocacy group focused on reducing global nuclear threats, reports that at least 13 tests of the “Burevestnik” have been conducted since 2016, with only two partially successful. A failed test in 2019 resulted in an explosion during an attempt to retrieve an exposed nuclear reactor, causing the deaths of at least five individuals.
Technical details about the “Burevestnik” remain scarce. President Putin has stated that the missile has nearly unlimited range, although experts have cited a more realistic figure of approximately 23,000 kilometres. Additionally, it is believed that the “Burevestnik” travels at subsonic speeds, making it detectable during flight.
This report on the “Burevestnik” comes in the wake of statements from Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Pavel Ryabkov, indicating that Russia may revise its nuclear doctrine based on analyses of recent conflicts and Western actions related to the war in Ukraine.
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