Context:

Russia has recently announced the successful testing of a novel nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, which it claims has “virtually unlimited range”, can loiter for long durations, fly at low altitudes and follow unpredictable trajectories, thereby evading existing missile‐defence systems.

Key Features & Claims:

1.       Propulsion & Range

o    The missile reportedly uses a miniature nuclear reactor to superheat air and generate thrust, unlike conventional turbojets or rockets.

o    Theoretical range is cited as up to ~20,000 km, enabling strikes from anywhere in Russia to many global targets.

2.      Flight Profile & Detectability

o    Designed to fly at very low altitudes (≈50-100 m) and take erratic paths to avoid radar and missile defence systems.

o    Ground-launched rather than submarine/airborne launch

Strategic Significance: 

1.       Impact on Deterrence

o    If deployable, the Burevestnik changes the calculus of nuclear deterrence: a weapon that can strike from unexpected direction, with long loiter time, complicates the adversary’s early-warning and defence planning.

2.      Missile-Defence Challenge

o    By flying low, long and unpredictably, it mitigates traditional ballistic missile-defence systems which rely on high-altitude, predictable trajectories.

o    The so-called “nobody can see, nobody can stop” narrative stems from this purported capability.

3.      Geopolitical & Regional Implications

o    For India, South Asia and the Indo-Pacific region: while the missile is not region-specific, its deployment underscores the evolving strategic environment, especially the need to monitor advanced delivery systems and nuclear escalatory risks.

o    It may influence arms‐control dialogue (e.g., future treaties), export behaviour, regional missile proliferation concerns.

Implications for India and the Region:

• • Deterrence & nuclear doctrine: India’s nuclear posture emphasises credible minimum deterrence, no‐first-use and mutual vulnerability. Introduction of weapons like Burevestnik by adversaries may necessitate reassessment of surveillance, early-warning and retaliatory planning.
  • Missile-defence systems: While India has missile-defence layers (e.g., PAD, AAD, SRBM interceptors), a weapon that flies unpredictably and loiters poses new challenges.
  • Arms race concerns: Such developments may spur expansion or modernisation of delivery systems in the region (Pakistan, China) and complicate arms-control efforts.
  • Strategic stability: A weapon capable of circumventing defences may reduce the window for decision-making in a crisis, raising risks of miscalculation and escalation.