Russia: Moves Ahead with Next-Gen Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missiles
Russia : has officially announced the development of a new generation of nuclear-powered cruise missiles, marking a significant step in its advanced defense strategy. President Vladimir Putin revealed the progress during an award ceremony held at the Kremlin, where he addressed leading developers of military technology. According to the statement, the upcoming cruise missiles are expected to exceed three times the speed of sound, with future models projected to reach hypersonic levels.
Putin emphasized that Russia’s long-term defense initiatives are moving forward as planned, including the modernization of its army and navy with cutting-edge weapons. He confirmed that the Avangard strategic missile system is now fully active in combat roles.
Intermediate-Range Missile System Update
The president also highlighted the mass production of the Oreshnik intermediate-range missile system, underscoring its strategic value for national security. Along with this, Russia has upgraded its intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched missiles with advanced warheads.
Recognition of Key Developers
During the ceremony, Putin awarded state honors to the teams behind the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone. He described these innovations as historically important, not only for Russia but for the future of global military technology throughout the 21st century.
Burevestnik’s Strategic Edge
Putin stated that the Burevestnik missile displayed extraordinary performance, surpassing all existing missile systems worldwide in terms of travel range. He also mentioned that a NATO vessel was present near the testing area on October 21 but Russia chose not to disrupt its operations.
Poseidon: The Underwater Nuclear Drone
Alongside the Burevestnik, Russia has recently tested the Poseidon — a nuclear-powered underwater drone designed to function at extreme depths and travel long distances. A new submarine, Khabarovsk, has been specifically built to deploy this system, further enhancing Russia’s maritime strike capabilities.
Global Context and US Response
Both the Burevestnik and Poseidon weapons were initially introduced by Putin in 2018, with recent successful tests reaffirming their readiness. Meanwhile, in response to worldwide nuclear advancements, US President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing the activities of other countries as justification.