Possible New Deployment Site for Russia’s Nuclear-Armed Burevestnik Missile Identified
In a significant development that could impact global security dynamics, two U.S. researchers have reportedly identified a possible new deployment site for Russia’s nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, according to a recent report by Reuters. The researchers, Decker Eveleth of the CNA research organization and Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, discovered what they believe to be a construction project near a nuclear warhead storage facility, located 475 kilometers north of Moscow, as the potential new site.
The Discovery
Eveleth and Lewis analyzed satellite imagery of the facility, which operates under two names: Vologda-20 and Chebsara. The imagery "suggests something very unique, very different," Lewis noted. "And obviously, we know that Russia is developing this nuclear-powered missile." Analysts believe that the new construction in this remote part of Russia could be tied to the Burevestnik, a missile that has been both highly publicized and controversial since its unveiling.
Hans Kristensen from the Federation of American Scientists provided further analysis, stating that the features in the Vologda imagery, such as launch pads, could be related to the deployment of the Burevestnik. However, Kristensen also cautioned that he could not make a definitive assessment based on the available information.
The Burevestnik: Capabilities and Controversy
Unveiled by President Vladimir Putin in 2018, the Burevestnik missile, also known by its NATO designation "Skyfall," was touted as an "invincible" weapon with an almost unlimited range capable of evading American missile defenses. Despite its ambitious design, the missile has encountered numerous setbacks and has a poor test record.
In August 2019, the missile gained notoriety when it purportedly exploded during a recovery operation after failing in a test, leading to the tragic deaths of five scientists. This incident raised numerous questions about the safety and strategic value of the Burevestnik.
Lack of Official Commentary
When approached by Reuters, neither Russia’s Defense Ministry nor its Embassy in Washington provided any comments on the new assessments about the Burevestnik’s deployment. The Kremlin directed questions to the Defense Ministry but did not offer further details.
Similarly, key U.S. agencies, including the State Department, CIA, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the U.S. Air Force National Air and Space Intelligence Center, all declined to comment on the matter. NATO also remained silent on how the alliance might respond should the missile be deployed.
Contextualizing the Discovery
The identification of a new deployment site for the Burevestnik comes at a tense period in global geopolitics. The strained relations between Russia and Western nations have been underpinned by various military developments and mutual accusations of treaty violations, particularly concerning nuclear arms.
The discovery of this potential site underscores the ongoing importance of satellite intelligence in tracking military developments that bear significant implications for global security. As geopolitical tensions continue to simmer, the international community will closely monitor how this situation evolves and what it could mean for the future balance of power.
For more information on the involved institutions, you can visit the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
