Putin claims Burevestnik nuclear missile tests completed

The news was reported by Reuters and the Russian state-controlled channel RIA Novosti.

According to Putin, the missile can allegedly overcome any anti-missile defense system, and its flight range is virtually unlimited. 

The Burevestnik winged nuclear weapon was tested on September 21, covering the claimed 14,000 km and remaining in the air for approximately 15 hours. Tests were conducted on water, land, and in the air to verify combat readiness and send a signal to adversaries that Russia possesses the world’s largest nuclear arsenal amid growing East-West tensions.

“The Burevestnik cruise missiles with nuclear warheads are a unique product that no one else in the world has,” Putin said.

Russia and the United States together hold roughly 87% of the world’s nuclear arsenal — enough to destroy the planet multiple times over. According to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), Russia has 5,459 nuclear warheads, while the U.S. possesses 5,177.

• On October 13, NATO began its annual Steadfast Noon 2025 nuclear exercises in the Netherlands, aimed at testing the Alliance’s readiness for nuclear deterrence.