Russia Successfully Tests Nuclear-Powered Burevestnik Missile

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday that Russia has successfully conducted a test of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile.

Moscow claims the nuclear-capable weapon is designed to evade all current and future defense systems.

During the test on October 21, the missile, which NATO calls the SSC-X-9 Skyfall, flew for about 15 hours and covered 14,000 km (8,700 miles), according to Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov.

Putin, speaking from a command point, hailed the weapon as "a unique ware which nobody else in the world has," noting its "almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path." With the "crucial testing" now concluded, Putin instructed the military to prepare the necessary infrastructure for deploying the Burevestnik.