On October 27, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday (October 26) that Russia successfully test-fired a new nuclear-powered cruise missile codenamed “9M730 Burevestnik” (Storm Petrel) and stated that this nuclear-capable weapon “can penetrate any missile defense system.” The Russian military is moving towards the deployment phase.
According to reports from Reuters, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian military, Valery Gerasimov, reported to Putin that the missile completed its test launch on October 21, flying approximately 14,000 kilometers for 15 hours, all powered by nuclear energy.
Gerasimov pointed out that the “Burevestnik” demonstrates almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight trajectory, effectively bypassing existing and future missile defense systems.
Putin, dressed in camouflage, met with top military officials at a command center for the Ukraine conflict and said, “This is a unique weapon in the world that no other country possesses.” He stated that the missile’s “key tests” have been completed, and Russia will research its strategic classification and deployment facilities.
Since the unveiling of the “Burevestnik” project in 2018, Putin has repeatedly positioned it as a response to the United States’ withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and NATO’s expansion to the east.
The treaty was signed in 1972, and the U.S. withdrew in 2001, subsequently accelerating missile defense programs. NATO refers to the missile as “SSC-X-9 Skyfall,” noting its long range and high maneuverability, making it a significant variable in global strategic balance.
This missile test, along with a strategic nuclear exercise held last week, is seen as a clear signal sent by Russia to the West.
Last Wednesday, Putin personally supervised a strategic nuclear forces exercise involving Russia’s land, sea, and air forces, including the Yars and Sineva intercontinental ballistic missiles, as well as the launch of two Kh-102 air-launched cruise missiles. He emphasized that Russia’s modernization of nuclear deterrence capabilities is “at the forefront globally.”
This move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump takes a tougher stance on Russia and demands a ceasefire. It is widely believed that Putin is showcasing Russia’s nuclear strength and strategic autonomy in response to pressures from the United States and NATO. The White House has not yet responded to this development.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that after the Trump administration recently lifted some restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-provided long-range missiles, Putin warned last week that if Russia’s territory is attacked, the response will be “very harsh, even overwhelming.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated this stance on a Russian television program.