Moscow: Russia has confirmed major progress in its next wave of nuclear-powered cruise missile technology, signaling a renewed push in its long-term defence modernisation program. President Vladimir Putin made the announcement at a Kremlin ceremony honouring the country’s leading military scientists and engineers.
According to the briefing, Russia’s upcoming missile systems are designed to fly at over three times the speed of sound, with later variants expected to achieve hypersonic capability. Putin reiterated that the nation’s strategic weapons roadmap remains firmly on track, with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle now fully deployed in active combat duty.
Boost to Strategic Missile Systems
Putin also announced that the Oreshnik intermediate-range missile system has entered mass production. Alongside this, Russia has upgraded its intercontinental and submarine-launched ballistic missiles with enhanced warhead designs to improve overall strike capacity.
Honours for Key Innovators
State awards were presented to teams behind two of Russia’s most talked-about strategic platforms — the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon unmanned underwater drone. Putin described these technologies as transformational achievements that will shape global military capabilities well into the 21st century.
Burevestnik and Poseidon: Russia’s Strategic Edge
The president highlighted the Burevestnik’s unparalleled range, claiming its performance surpasses any current global missile system. He also noted that a NATO vessel had been present near a recent test site but Russia refrained from interfering.
Meanwhile, the Poseidon underwater drone — engineered for extreme-depth operations and long-distance underwater travel — has also undergone successful tests. Its carrier submarine, Khabarovsk, has been built specifically to deploy this advanced system, strengthening Russia’s maritime deterrence.
Global Implications
As Russia showcases the advancement of its nuclear-powered platforms first unveiled in 2018, geopolitical tensions continue to rise. In response to global nuclear developments, U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear tests, citing the need to match rival nations’ technological strides.
