Russia has successfully tested a nuclear-powered strategic cruise missile. At a video conference hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the 9M730 "Petrel" (NATO designation SSC-X-9 Skyfall) conducted a 15-hour flight test.
This news has attracted widespread attention, and some analysts believe that the development ideas of this weapon originated from the Cold War period. As early as 2001, there were reports from the outside that Russia planned to strengthen its nuclear arsenal through modernization means and develop new weapons with the range of intercontinental ballistic missiles and the ability to evade radar and anti-missile systems.
Russia confirmed that such a weapon has been manufactured and flight tested. Putin said, "When we first announced the development of this type of weapon, many high-level experts believed that although the goal was worthwhile, it would be difficult to achieve in the near future. Today, key tests have been completed, and there is still work to be done to ensure that the weapon can be officially fielded, but the main goal has been achieved."
Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov added that the "Petrel" successfully flew for about 15 hours in a test on October 21, 2025, with a flight distance of 14,000 kilometers (about 8,700 miles).
The first public appearance of the "Petrel" was in Putin's speech in 2018. At that time, Putin said that Russia was developing an "invincible" weapon with unlimited range, the ability to change routes at will, and the ability to break through any existing and future Western defense systems.
The project's first test flight took place in 2016, during which it encountered a number of technical difficulties. A test in August 2019 resulted in the death of five nuclear engineers due to an explosion, and abnormal radiation levels were detected near the White Sea. The United States expressed concern about this.
Little is known about the detailed parameters of the "Petrel", but there is speculation that its design is close to the US SLAM (Super Low Altitude Missile) project during the Cold War. Unlike ordinary cruise missiles, Haiyan uses a micro-nuclear reactor to heat the inlet air to generate thrust. It theoretically has a huge range, can fly at low altitudes close to the ground and frequently change maneuvering trajectories, making it extremely difficult to track and intercept.
The missile may be launched using a solid rocket booster and propelled by a nuclear reactor during cruise. The outside world speculates that its length is about 12 meters, which can be shortened to 9 meters when flying. Its speed is at high subsonic speed (about 1225 kilometers per hour). Some experts believe that it is expected to break the speed of sound. There are reports that Putin once claimed that the missile can reach more than five times the speed of sound, but Western experts have expressed doubts about this.
Although the missile has nuclear strike capabilities, the parameters of the warhead loaded during the test flight have not yet been announced. Many Western experts still have doubts about the actual technical feasibility and safety of the Haiyan. It is said that its total weight may be as high as 24 tons.
In addition, the commissioning of nuclear-powered weapons will have a major impact on the global geopolitical landscape. A single launch during a routine military exercise is enough to arouse high vigilance and concern in the international community.