Two American researchers have likely identified a secretive Russian military site that could be the launch location for the 9M370 Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
An 'Invincible' Weapon
This weapon, described by Russian President Vladimir Putin as “invincible,” has raised significant concerns in the West. Known as SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, the missile reportedly has an almost unlimited range and is designed to evade U.S. missile defenses, according to Ziare.
Using satellite imagery from July 26, 2023, provided by Planet Labs, analysts Decker Eveleth and Jeffrey Lewis identified a construction project near Vologda-20, a known nuclear warhead storage facility located 475 km north of Moscow.
The images revealed newly constructed horizontal launch pads surrounded by high enclosures, likely to protect against attacks or contain accidental explosions.
Russia May be Moving Forward
The researchers believe these launch pads are intended for the Burevestnik missile, a weapon that has seen multiple tests since 2016, most of which have ended in failure. Despite these setbacks, the imagery suggests that Russia may be moving forward with the missile's deployment.
The potential deployment of the Burevestnik at this site indicates a shift in Russian strategy, allowing the storage and rapid launch of these missiles from a secure location.
This development comes as Russia continues to escalate its nuclear posture, recently announcing changes to its nuclear guidelines in response to Western involvement in Ukraine.
While some experts question the strategic value of Burevestnik, citing its troubled test history and potential for radioactive contamination, its existence and potential deployment represent a significant concern for global security.
