Russia tests next-generation nuclear missile

Vladimir Putin says Russia has successfully tested a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile with a range of thousands of kilometres


9M730 BUREVESTNIK
Missile length (in flight) 	9-11m
Speed				Subsonic
Flight altitude			50-100m
Designed range			22,500km
Possible deployment date	2025

Angular design minimises radar signature

Warhead
Conventional or nuclear

Nuclear reactor: Powers electric motor that drives turbine. Launch assisted by rocket booster

Exhaust

Air inlet

Swept wings

Guidance system
 
Threat: Missile could be based anywhere in Russia and still be able to reach targets in continental U.S.

Stealth: Ability to fly low and use circuitous route minimises detection by radar and air defences


Russia’s new generation of strategic nuclear weapons

KH-47M2 KINZHAL
Hypersonic ground strike missile – used in Ukraine

Air-launched

Length:	8m 	
Speed:	Mach 10 12,350km/h
Range:	2,000km


RS-28 SARMAT
(SS-X-30 Satan 2)
Intercontinental ballistic missile – reportedly deployed for combat duty

Payload: Carries up to 15 independently targeted nuclear warheads or hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV)

Silo-launched

Length: 35.3m
Weight: 208 tonnes
Speed: 	Mach 20.7
Range:	Up to 18,000km

Three-stage liquid fuel rocket


AVANGARD HGV
Low trajectory and mid-flight manoeuvrability to evade interception

Speed: 	Mach 20
Weight: 2 tonnes	
Range:	6,000km


POSEIDON (NATO designation “Kanyon”) 
Semi-autonomous nuclear-powered torpedo. 
Not covered by current arms treaties

Speed:	~60 knots
Range: 	10,000km 
Operating depth: 1km


Sources: Army Recognition, CSIS, IISS, U.S. Naval Institute
© GRAPHIC NEWS