Putin announced that Russia has successfully tested a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, the"Petrel." (From X Platform)
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on the 26th that Russia had successfully tested a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, with a range of 14,000 kilometers and the ability to remain aloft for 15 hours. It is claimed to be capable of penetrating any defense system. Putin emphasized that this weapon, dubbed"Skyfall" by NATO, is a unique strategic weapon with"almost unlimited range," meaning Russia "leads all nuclear powers" in nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Reuters reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin said on the 26th that Russia had successfully tested the nuclear-powered cruise missile"Burevestnik", a weapon carrying a nuclear warhead that is said to be able to evade any defense system.
Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to Putin that the missile flew more than 14,000 kilometers, nearly one-third of the Earth's circumference, during the October 21 test and remained airborne for approximately 15 hours. Russia stated that existing and future missile defense systems are unable to defend against the 9M730 Petrel nuclear-powered cruise missile, which has a virtually unlimited range and unpredictable flight trajectory.
"(Haiyan) is a unique weapon that does not exist anywhere else in the world," Putin, wearing camouflage, said at a meeting with frontline commanders in the Russian-Ukrainian war. He noted that Russian experts had previously told him the weapon was"almost impossible to develop," but that "key testing" had now been completed. He also instructed Gerasimov that Russia must study how to classify the Haiyan and prepare the infrastructure needed for its deployment.
🤡 Putin claims Russia has tested a “Burevestnik” nuclear missile that “has no analogues in the world.”
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) October 26, 2025
The Russian held dictator a meeting with Chief of the General Staff Gerasimov and military commanders, where officials announced that the military had tested a new…
Gerasimov stated that the Haiyan missile uses a"small nuclear jet engine," and that this test launch differed from previous ones in its "extremely long flight distance," remaining airborne for over 15 hours, demonstrating its impressive endurance. This isn't even Haiyan's maximum range; its theoretical range is practically unlimited. He emphasized that Haiyan can penetrate any anti-ballistic defense system.
This missile is designed to penetrate the unformed defensive perimeters of adversaries like the United States and is capable of striking targets from unexpected directions. It is considered a powerful nuclear deterrent.
On the 22nd, Putin personally oversaw exercises involving Russia's army, navy, and air force strategic nuclear forces to test the military's combat readiness and command system. He stated,"The modernization of our nuclear deterrent forces has reached the highest level, surpassing that of any other nuclear power." He also stated,"The national security of the Russian Federation and its allies can be fully ensured by our strategic nuclear forces."
According to the Federation of Scientists (FAS), Russia and the United States together possess approximately 87% of the world's nuclear arsenal, enough to destroy the Earth many times over. Russia currently possesses 5,459 nuclear warheads, while the United States has 5,177.
🚨BREAKING NEWS
— Aleksey Berezutski 🇷🇺🎖 (@aleksbrz11) October 26, 2025
The Russian military announced the test of the unlimited-range nuclear-propelled "Burevestnik" cruise missile.
The missile remained airborne for approximately 15 hours and traveled 14,000 kilometers. pic.twitter.com/Va3wbSBjyo
🚨⚡️BREAKING AND UNUSUAL
— RussiaNews 🇷🇺 (@mog_russEN) October 26, 2025
Putin announces "completion" and ignites a new arms race.."Burevestnik" missile with "unlimited" range! 🇷🇺🔥
President Vladimir Putin announced the completion of tests for the nuclear-powered cruise missile "Burevestnik," confirming the "achievement of… pic.twitter.com/NsGg5DOevN
