Russia may be preparing to test an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile with a range of up to 14,000 miles, according to The New York Times.
The missile, known as the Burevestnik, has failed in its previous trials and once caused an accident that resulted in several deaths.
But the Burevestnik, also known in the West as the RS-SSC-X-09 Skyfall, would give Russia an extremely long-range intercontinental ballistic missile if future tests are successful and the weapon enters Moscow’s arsenal.
The New York Times reported satellite images of a base in the Russian Arctic indicate movement of aircraft and vehicles consistent with previous tests, while Russia has also issued an aviation notice also consistent with previous tests that has been extended through Friday.
The U.S. has also flown surveillance aircraft near the base for the past two weeks, a small increase in activity that could indicate concern from Washington.
It’s still unclear if the missile has already been tested or if it will be tested in the near future, according to The Times.
The Burevestnik was introduced in 2018, part of a new array of nuclear arms designed to achieve longer flight and faster speeds. Little is known about the missile, including its design, as Russia has kept it closely under wraps.
The experimental nuclear-powered missile has failed several times, including an August 2019 crash that killed five scientists. Part of the problem Russian engineers have encountered is activating a nuclear propulsion unit, which is supposed to trigger after solid fuel rocket boosters get the missile into the air.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly threatened the use of nuclear weapons during the war in Ukraine.
Putin earlier this year suspended the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, a pact between the U.S. and Russia to share information about nuclear arms testing and limit the number of warheads and bombs in their arsenals.