Russia announced the successful test of the 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, which also received the NATO code name SSC-X-9 Skyfall. Skyfall uses nuclear power as a propellant instead of conventional fuel. In the test conducted on October 21, Skyfall flew for 15 hours for 14,000 kilometers. This is equivalent to the distance from Kuala Lumpur to Los Angeles.
This is a distance that yesterday could only be achieved by intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The Tomahawk cruise missile used during the Gulf War, for example, can only fly up to 2400 kilometers. When operational, it can be equipped with conventional and nuclear warheads.
The existence of Skyfall was first confirmed by President Putin in 2018 when it conducted several tests that ended in failure. The success announced by President Putin himself was seen as a warning by Russia that they still have a dangerous weapons system that can threaten neighboring countries.
