The 9M730 Burevestnik is a surface-to-surface cruise missile already in the arsenal of the Russian Ground Forces. Developed between 2018 and 2023, it entered service in April 2024. Once launched, it flies low over the ground, between 15 and 30 m of altitude, for an unlimited distance, because it is powered by nuclear energy. Although it sounds like science fiction, the development of the missile is a fact, as it was announced by the Russian government in 2018.
The 9M730, known as 'SSC-X-9 Skyfall' by NATO, is armed with a anti-bunker warhead, which can penetrate up to 5-m-thick of reinforced concrete. It is also capable of carrying a thermonuclear warhead. Like many cruise missile, it has also the ability to sneak through enemy defense radars. However, the Burevestnik has the unique advantage over the rest of cruise missiles of having unlimited global range. It means, it is able to fly as long as it takes to precisely strike the target.
Technical Characteristics
The 9M730 Burevestnik is 12 m long, with a pair folding wings and three stabilizing tail fins. It is fitted with a miniature, compact nuclear reactor, which works in a closed loop system, without radioctive exhaust. This nuclear reactor produces pressurized hot gases that drive the turbine. It is guided by terrain contour matching navigation system and GLONASS (Russian satellite navigation).
Although it is unknown what it looks like, the image below gives you an idea about the Burevestnik missile shape and features according to a written description done by an expert.
