Nuclear-powered missiles: An aerospace engineer explains how they work – and what Russia’s claimed test means for global strategic stability

By: Iain Boyd, University of Colorado Boulder, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 29, 2025

Words: 1,056

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 5 days ago

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By Iain Boyd, University of Colorado Boulder

Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in a military uniform, announced on Oct. 26, 2025, that Russia had successfully tested a nuclear-powered missile. If true, such a weapon could provide Russia with a unique military capability that also has broader political implications.

The missile, called Burevestnik, was reportedly successfully tested over the Arctic Ocean after years of development and several earlier initial test flights, one of which resulted …

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