The Russian state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, appears poised to test its controversial nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile in the coming days, as military officials seal off airspace and vessels take observation positions in the Barents Sea.
As per the Barents observer media outlet, from Aug. 7 to 12, Russia has closed a 500-kilometer (311-mile) stretch of airspace along the western coast of Novaya Zemlya, according to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued by aviation authorities.
The restricted zone covers roughly 40,000 square kilometers (15,444 square miles).
Satellite imagery, ship movements, and flight tracking suggest preparations have been underway for weeks at the Pankovo test site – a restricted military area where Rosatom has tested nuclear weapons and technology since the late 1950s, according to the report.
The Barents Observer reports that at least four vessels have taken up observation positions from west of the Matochkin Strait to Murman Bay.
Two Rosatom aircraft are stationed at Rogachevo air base, and a US Air Force WC-135R “nuke sniffer” plane recently flew over the Barents Sea, likely monitoring for radioactive emissions.
The Burevestnik – dubbed “Skyfall” by NATO – is a cruise missile with a nuclear-powered engine, theoretically giving it unlimited range. It is launched with a scramjet, with the reactor activated mid-flight.
First unveiled by Russian leader Vladimir Putin in March 2018, the Burevestnik can reportedly carry either a conventional or nuclear warhead. Its novel reactor-powered propulsion allows sustained atmospheric flight, but the technology is experimental and carries serious risks.
Experts warn that rocket motor failures or off-course flights could scatter radioactive material over vast areas if the missile’s nuclear reactor is compromised. Even without an explosion, questions remain about radioactive contamination at the missile’s eventual impact site.
Norway’s Intelligence Service has previously warned that such tests carry a risk of accidents and local radioactive contamination. Norway’s Finnmark region lies about 900 kilometers (559 miles) from the Pankovo site.
Testing of the Burevestnik has reportedly taken place at Novaya Zemlya since 2017, with expanded infrastructure and heightened activity in recent years.
In October 2023, reports circulated of satellite imagery suggesting Russia was preparing – or had already conducted – tests of its Burevestnik missile.
The New York Times (NYT), citing Planet Labs images, said equipment appeared on the Novaya Zemlya launch pad on Sept. 20, including a truck and trailer matching the missile’s dimensions.
The pad’s shelter was moved aside, but by midday, the trailer was gone and the shelter restored. Similar activity was seen on Sept. 28.
At the end of August 2023, Russian authorities also issued a notice warning pilots to avoid a “temporarily dangerous zone” over the Barents Sea near the Pankovo test site – the same type of advisory issued before a 2019 Burevestnik test.
Environmental group Bellona reported that in early August of 2023, two Rosatom aircraft – believed to collect missile launch data – were spotted at Rogachevo airbase, about 160 kilometers (99 miles) from the launch site.