The Barents Observer: Russia Prepares to Test New Burevestnik Missile on Novaya Zemlya

In the coming days, Russia may test the latest Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile.

The Barents Observer reported this, noting that the launch is planned for a test site located on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.

Signs of preparation have included the closure of airspace in the area and regular cargo ship flights to the archipelago in recent weeks.

The flight restrictions cover about 40,000 square kilometers along the western coast of Novaya Zemlya and are in effect from Thursday until next Tuesday.

Journalists point out that two Rosatom aircraft are currently stationed at the Rogachevo airbase, which have previously served similar tests.

In addition, there are at least four ships off the coast of the archipelago that are taking up positions at observation points.

At the beginning of the week, these ships were anchored near the Pankovo test site, and then went to different points along the coast to conduct observations and provide support.

As previously reported, at least four ships have delivered cargo to Novaya Zemlya since the beginning of July.

The 9M730 Burevestnik missile has been tested at this site since at least 2017.

Information about the missile is classified. However, the missile is allegedly equipped with a direct-flow jet engine, in which the air is heated by the energy of a small nuclear reactor, creating the necessary thrust.

According to Russia’s plans, its main advantage should be its extremely long range, which will allow it to bypass air defense zones, even without using a nuclear warhead.

In 2023, Russia announced the production of the first set of Poseidon nuclear torpedoes.