Russia Plans Testing of Nuclear-Capable Missile

• Russia is preparing for the testing of the nuclear-capable missile Burevestnik.
• The test is expected to take place as early as this week.
• Military exercises in Russia and Belarus included the use of nuclear weapons.

This is reported by RBC Ukraine, Ukrayinska Pravda.

Russia is reportedly preparing for the testing of the nuclear-capable missile 9M730 Burevestnik. This is reported by Reuters citing American researchers and Western intelligence.

Researchers Jeffrey Lewis from the California Institute of International Studies and Decker Eveleth from the CNA organization noted that activity in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Barents Sea indicates preparations for the test. They analyzed accompanying imagery, which shows an increase in the number of personnel, equipment, ships, and aircraft related to previous launches of the Burevestnik missile.

Lewis believes that the test could take place as early as this week, coinciding with the results of the upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin. Western intelligence confirmed information regarding the preparations for the test.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously stated that this missile has a practically unlimited range of action and an unpredictable flight path. However, experts do not have a clear answer regarding its capability to evade detection systems. It is also unclear whether the missile will be capable of deploying radiation during flight.

Research into the activity surrounding the test site Pankovo began after Russia issued a warning for mariners about restricted access to the territory from September 9 to 12. According to information obtained by Reuters, a series of notices about a possible missile launch was issued by the NOTAM service of the Federal Aviation Administration of the USA.

The Norwegian military also reported signs of preparations for the test. Experts believe that the testing of the Burevestnik missile could have been planned ahead of the announcement regarding the meeting between Trump and Putin.

Currently, the Ukrainian intelligence has reported issues with Russia's production of the X-59 missile due to a shortage of rare components.

It was also reported that during military exercises between Russia and Belarus, the use of nuclear weapons was practiced, which was stated by the Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.

Tags: Russia/Politics