Russia on October 26 announced the successful test launch of the Burevestnik (Storm Petrel) nuclear-powered cruise missile, which flew 14,000 kilometers without reaching its maximum range. US President Donald Trump commented that the test was "inappropriate", while the Kremlin spokesman responded that the launch should not affect Russia-US interactions. The test comes very close to NATO exercises and the postponed Russia-US summit, prompting questions about Russia's strategic considerations.

The test of the Burevestnik (Storm Petrel) nuclear-powered cruise missile took place on October 21. The missile remained in flight for approximately 15 hours, covered 14,000 kilometers, and did not reach its full range, successfully validating its capability to evade missile defense systems. The Kremlin released the news on October 26.

The timing coincided with NATO's Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise and followed Donald Trump's announcement on October 21 that he was postponing his meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

Analysts believe that Russia's decision to conduct the Burevestnik test and publicize it at this time serves multiple purposes. First, it is a direct response to the NATO exercise. Second, it is a signal regarding the US development of the Golden Dome missile defense system. Third, it is a means to pressure the US to return to negotiations on the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).

The annual NATO nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon was held from October 13 to 22 in the Netherlands, with 14 NATO member states participating. Over 2,000 personnel and around 70 aircraft, including dual-capable aircraft with both conventional and nuclear strike capabilities, took part in the exercise.

Analysts note that the Steadfast Noon exercise also displayed air-based tactical nuclear strike capabilities, including the potential use of F-35 aircraft as stealthy nuclear delivery platforms, which carries significant deterrent value. Russia, by contrast, has demonstrated an alternative technical pathway. The Burevestnik (Storm Petrel) nuclear-powered cruise missile is capable of prolonged flight endurance and designed to circumvent an adversary’s early-warning and missile-defense systems to deliver strikes.

In September this year, US media reported that the Pentagon had completed the design plan for the Golden Dome missile defense system. According to Donald Trump, once fully operational, the Golden Dome would integrate with existing US missile defense capabilities and be able to intercept missiles launched from anywhere in the world, even from space.

Analysts believe that the Golden Dome system is intended to counter Russia's nuclear deterrent capabilities. By contrast, Russia's demonstration of the Burevestnik (Storm Petrel) nuclear-powered cruise missile sends a clear signal. The strategic missile defense system that the US seeks to build would be ineffective against the Burevestnik.

A former US Army officer, Stanislav Krapivnik, noted that current radar and air-defense deployments are typically configured to counter ballistic missiles with predictable trajectories, so coverage does not need to span the entire US territory. However, the Burevestnik missile can remain airborne for 16 hours or longer. To defend against such a weapon, US defenses would have to provide nationwide coverage, dramatically increasing both the difficulty and the cost of protection.

In addition, the New START Treaty between Russia and the US is set to expire in February next year. In September, Russian President Putin stated that if the US refrains from actions that would undermine the existing balance, Russia would continue to adhere to the core limits of the treaty for one year after its expiration. However, the US has employed a delaying tactic, failing to respond to this proposal.

Analysts believe that Russia's test flight of the Burevestnik missile at this time also serves to pressure the US, signaling a desire for Washington to return promptly to the negotiation table and clarify its stance on this strategically significant bilateral treaty.

Editor's note: Originally published on CCTV news app, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.