Russia prepares to test the flying Chernobyl: what makes the Burevestnik missile dangerous.

Russia is preparing for a new test of the cruise missile with a nuclear warhead 9M730 'Burevestnik'. Due to its design features, it is called a 'flying Chernobyl' — such a weapon poses a huge danger in case of a crash.

'It is rightly named so because it has a march engine with an open cycle... The heating occurs due to a nuclear reactor — a portable nuclear reactor. And the heated air that bursts from the nozzle carries radioactive contamination. That is why it is called a 'flying Chernobyl.'

According to Russian sources, the 'Burevestnik' is approximately 2.5 times larger than the X-101 missile, but has a similar speed — about 900 km/h. Its main feature is its unlimited flight range, as the nuclear engine can operate for a very long time. The expert emphasized that it can be shot down by all means of air defense, but problems arise when this missile falls to the ground.

Information about the 'Burevestnik' missile

In 2023, The New York Times released material referring to a report by the Nuclear Threat Initiative, stating that during the period from 2017 to 2019, Russia conducted 13 tests of the 9M730 missile. However, all tests ended in failure. American officials calculated that, during its most successful test flight, the missile flew 22 miles before falling into the sea. According to experts, if the missile is used in wartime, it could have the potential to destroy large urban areas and military targets.

The 'Burevestnik' missile is considered dangerous not only for its ability to carry a powerful nuclear warhead but also for the potential release of harmful radioactive substances in case of an explosion or malfunction during testing.

The 'Burevestnik' missile belongs to the category of medium-range cruise missiles, which could pose a serious threat to security if used. Russian tests of this missile have caused outrage among Western countries, as they have a potentially destabilizing effect on the geopolitical situation in the world.