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[INTERNATIONAL] · Russia · 5 sources

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Russia prepares for potential Burevestnik nuclear missile test

Russian military forces appear to be preparing for a new test of the 9M730 Burevestnik, an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile. Satellite imagery and open-source intelligence (OSINT) indicate significant mobilization at the Rogachevo air base on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.

Reports from analysts at AviVector and Thor Are Iversen note the arrival of specialized Il-976 SKIP aircraft, which are used for radiation monitoring and flight data collection. Other military assets detected at the base include an A-50U AWACS aircraft, several An-26 and An-74D transport planes, and various helicopters. Additionally, Russian vessels have been spotted in the Barents and Kara Seas, and a NOTAM has been issued to close portions of the airspace near the archipelago.

The Burevestnik is designed with an integrated mini-reactor intended to provide virtually unlimited range. While Russian officials have previously claimed successful tests, scientists from MIT have noted that the missile's nuclear ramjet propulsion could leave a radioactive trail during flight.

Entities

AviVector · Burevestnik · Novaya Zemlya · Rogachevo Air Base · Russia · Russia · Vladimir Putin

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