Two U.S. researchers have identified a probable deployment site in Russia for the 9M370 Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile. This missile, also known as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, has been promoted by President Vladimir Putin as having an "invincible" and almost unlimited range, capable of evading U.S. missile defenses. However, many Western experts are skeptical of these claims, questioning the missile's strategic value and highlighting the risks of radiation leaks during its operation.

Using satellite imagery from July 26, the researchers located a construction site near a nuclear warhead storage facility in Russia, which they believe could be the missile's deployment site. The site is about 475 kilometers north of Moscow and features nine launch pads under construction, which are linked to nearby buildings likely used for missile servicing.

Despite its touted capabilities, the Burevestnik has a poor test record, with only two partial successes out of at least 13 tests since 2016. Experts argue that this missile does not offer capabilities beyond what Russia already possesses and raises significant safety concerns due to its nuclear-powered engine.

The identification of this potential launch site suggests that Russia is moving forward with deploying the Burevestnik, despite its troubled development history. However, the missile's impact on global strategic dynamics remains a topic of debate among experts.