Russia may plan nuclear-powered cruise missile testing – NYT
Russia is likely preparing to conduct the testing of an experimental nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile, as proven by satellite images.
Source: The New York Times
Details: Satellite imagery and aviation data show that Russian may be preparing to test (or even have tested) an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile. Its theoretical range is 2,000 miles.
The NYT has studied the satellite images and aviation data and noticed movement of aircraft and transport at the Rogachovo air base in the arctic region in Russia.
This may be the evidence of preparations for the testing of 9M730 Burevestnik or SSC-X-9 Skyfall missiles, which were already tested in 2017 and 2018.
US reconnaissance planes were also traced in this region during the last two weeks, and aviation alerts told the pilots to avoid the adjacent airspace.
At the beginning of August two Russian planes at the Rogachovo air base which gather the data about missile launches were parked about 160 km to the south from the launching site.
The aircraft belong to the Russian nuclear company Rosatom. According to additional satellite imagery, they remained at this airbase until at least 26 September. During the testing of Burevestnik in 2018 the aircraft of the same type were nearby as well.
The experts state that this missile is not only dangerous due to its ability to carry a powerful nuclear warhead but also due to its capacity to release harmful radioactive emissions if a missile explodes or disrupts work during the testing.
The classified nature of the testing and remote launching site make it more difficult to find out whether the missile has already been tested or is only planned to be, or, maybe, both options are true.
The New York Times also assumes that Russia may only be testing a nuclear engine or a component of the missile itself.
Background: Reportedly, Russia held 13 tests between 2017 and 2019, and they all failed, according to Nuclear Threat Initiative, a non-commercial group specialising in armament control.
The missile launched in 2019 crashed and finally exploded during an attempt to repair it, killing nine people, NYT states with reference to US officials.
Burevestnik is one of the six types of strategic weapons along with the Kindzhal ballistic missile and the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle.
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