Russia is proceeding with the development of its 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, also known as the “Flying Chernobyl,” a project that has prompted international concerns regarding its potential environmental and strategic implications.

Story Highlights

• Russia’s nuclear-powered cruise missile, the “Flying Chernobyl,” is reportedly still under development.
• The missile’s development has led to reports of test failures and radioactive leaks near Russian test sites.
• The project is being pursued by the Russian government with limited transparency and civilian oversight.

Background on Russia’s Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile in 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s administration is continuing the development of the 9M730 Burevestnik, a cruise missile powered by a compact nuclear reactor. This missile is designed for extended range and to potentially bypass existing missile defense systems. Since its initial announcement in 2018, the weapon’s development has been a subject of discussion among national security analysts. The project is seen by some as a continuation of Cold War-era strategic approaches.

The Burevestnik project has historical roots in Cold War concepts that were previously discontinued by the United States due to safety and environmental considerations. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty in 2002 and the expansion of NATO missile defenses, Moscow has sought new methods to counter American technology. Putin’s 2018 announcement included a new generation of weapons, among them the Burevestnik. Western intelligence and environmental monitoring groups have documented multiple test launches, some of which reportedly resulted in failures and radioactive contamination at Russian test sites. The missile’s development has reportedly intensified during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Russia’s Burevestnik “success” is a flex, not a fact. Gerasimov read the script, Putin nodded, and state TV sold a nuclear-powered flying Chernobyl as if it were Excalibur. Fourteen thousand kilometers and fifteen hours sounds impressive until you remember Project Pluto died for…

— Dan Brisbois (@Dan_Brisbois) October 27, 2025

Environmental and Strategic Considerations

The Burevestnik missile’s design incorporates a radioactive propulsion system. There are concerns that each test or malfunction could potentially disperse radioactive material, affecting both Russian territory and neighboring regions. Reports from Western sources and environmental monitors have indicated radioactive anomalies near Russian launch sites, which have been cited in discussions about failed tests and contamination. If deployed, the Burevestnik would represent the first operational nuclear-powered missile, potentially impacting existing arms control agreements. Analysts have suggested that such a deployment could contribute to an escalation in the arms race and affect international treaties.

The Russian government has presented the missile as a technological advancement and a deterrent against NATO. However, some have expressed skepticism, describing the Burevestnik as technically unreliable and a potential risk to Russia itself due to its radioactive emissions and reported test failures. The project reportedly operates with minimal civilian oversight, characterized by a centralized command structure. While Russian officials have claimed recent “successful” tests, independent verification of these claims has not been widely reported. The development costs associated with the weapon are substantial.

The Russian president said the weapon, which has an almost unlimited range and unpredictable flight path, is 'invincible'. https://t.co/VYqW6Tpslq

— Bruce Montalvo (@BruceMontalvo) October 27, 2025

Implications for International Security

The ongoing development of Russia’s “Flying Chernobyl” has drawn attention to issues of national security and environmental protection in the context of international relations. The missile’s development has been discussed in relation to arms control agreements and the implications of unchecked governmental power in weapon development. As nations assess global leadership and defense strategies, vigilance regarding foreign threats is considered essential. The project underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in nuclear technology development and its potential impact on global order.

Watch the report: Putin’s Nuclear Gamble: Russia’s ‘Flying Chernobyl’ Returns | Missile Test Raises Global Fears | APT

Sources:

The 9M730 Burevestnik: The Nuclear-Powered ‘Flying Chernobyl’ Cruise Missile and Its Effect on Russia-Ukraine War
Russia’s Nuclear-Powered Missile Isn’t Called ‘Flying Chernobyl’ for Nothing
9M730 Burevestnik – Wikipedia
Burevestnik SSC-X-9 Skyfall: Russia’s New Nuclear Cruise Missile – Times of India