Researchers find location of Russian nuclear missile Burevestnik: Reuters
Illustrative photo: Russia can deploy a nuclear missile near Vologda (Getty Images)
American researchers have identified a possible deployment site for the Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile Burevestnik using satellite imagery. The location is in the Vologda region, reports Reuters.
Satellite images taken on July 26 show construction activity near a nuclear warhead storage facility at the Vologda-20 military settlement. The military settlement is located near the village of Chebsara in the Vologda region, about 500 kilometers north of Moscow.
Photo: satellite image of the Burevestnik base (reuters.com)
Analyst Decker Evelet from the research organization CNA claims that the images reveal nine construction sites arranged in three groups. Surrounding these sites are earthen embankments designed to protect against attacks or accidental detonation.
The images also show buildings where, according to the analyst, missile maintenance and component servicing might occur. Additionally, there is a complex of five bunkers, likely intended for storing nuclear warheads.
Evelet suggests that this location is intended for a "for a large, fixed missile system," which is likely the Burevestnik.
Jeffrey Lewis from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies shares this view, believing that the images indicate an attempt to deploy the Burevestnik.
Hans Kristensen from the Federation of American Scientists noted that Russia typically does not place missile launchers near nuclear warhead storage facilities.
Background
Russia has been boasting for several years about its intercontinental cruise missile Burevestnik, which is equipped with a nuclear power plant.
This missile is purportedly capable of staying airborne for extended periods due to its onboard nuclear reactor, which serves as its engine.
More details on this weapon can be found in the RBC-Ukraine article.
