Satellite images show Russia preparing to test a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
Russia is apparently preparing to test its Burevestnik intercontinental cruise missile, which can carry a nuclear warhead. The New York Times reported this on October 2.
The publication analyzed satellite images of the Rogachevo airfield on Severny Island in the Arkhangelsk region of the Russian Federation. Journalists noticed the movement of planes and cars. This could indicate preparations for testing the Burevestnik or SSC-X-9 Skyfall missile, which was already tested in 2017 and 2018.
US surveillance planes have also been monitored in the area for the past two weeks, with air traffic alerts warning pilots to avoid entering adjacent airspace.
In early August, at the Rogachevo air base, two Russian aircraft that collect data from missile launches were parked about 160 kilometers south of the launch site.
The planes belong to the Russian nuclear company Rosatom. They remained at that base until September 26, according to additional satellite imagery. During the Burevestnik tests in 2018, aircraft of the same type were also nearby.
____________________
The Burevestnik is an intercontinental cruise missile that the Russians claim is capable of hitting targets thousands of kilometers away. It is one of six types of strategic weapons, along with the likes of the Kinzhal ballistic missile and the Avangard hypersonic planning unit.
So far, all Burevestnik tests conducted by Russia have been unsuccessful. The rocket traveled a maximum of 35 kilometers, after which it fell into the sea.
Let’s remember that the previous Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky called for the removal of nuclear weapons from Russia.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.