Unveiling the 9M730 Burevestnik: Russia’s Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile

The 9M730 Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile, is under development by Russia. This missile, designed to carry a nuclear warhead, is engineered to fly at low altitudes and demonstrate high maneuverability. If successful, Russia will be the first nation to possess an operational nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, as all existing nuclear missiles are ballistic missiles. The Burevestnik can travel up to 20,000 km, is designed to bypass US missile defense systems, and operates using a small nuclear reactor to generate continuous thrust. Its design incorporates a low-flying profile to evade radar and interceptor-based missile defenses.