With a striking range of up to 22,500 kilometers (approximately 14,000 miles), the missile has the potential to fortify Moscow's arsenal significantly if developers can navigate past its previous unsuccessful tests and incorporate it into their nuclear weapon cache, according to a report by American newspaper, The Hill.
Previous Buryevstnik (NATO reporting name: SSC-X-9 Skyfall) tests have not only been unsuccessful but also perilous, causing an accident in August 2019 that resulted in the tragic death of five scientists.
Satellite surveillance of Russian bases in the Arctic has purportedly revealed activity reminiscent of past Buryevstnik tests, involving the movement of aircraft and vehicles, the New York Times notes.
Moreover, communications from the Russian air force seemingly echo previous test announcements, with an extension of readiness stated until the upcoming Friday.
(jh)
Source: PAP, RMF 24