US researchers identify possible launch site of Russia's new nuclear missile

Two US researchers have potentially pinpointed the deployment site in Russia for the 9M370 Burevestnik, a new nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed cruise missile described by President Vladimir Putin as "invincible." Known as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, this missile is said by Putin to possess nearly limitless range and the capability to evade US missile defences.

Despite these claims, some Western experts question the missile's strategic value, arguing that it does not provide capabilities beyond what Russia already has and poses risks of radioactive contamination in case of an accident, Caliber.Az reports citing exclusive material by Reuters.

Using satellite images taken by Planet Labs on July 26, the researchers identified a construction site adjacent to a nuclear warhead storage facility, referred to as Vologda-20 or Chebsara, as the probable location for the missile's deployment. This facility is situated 475 kilometres (295 miles) north of Moscow.

Decker Eveleth, an analyst from the CNA research organization, analyzed the satellite imagery and identified nine horizontal launch pads under construction. These pads are grouped in three clusters surrounded by high berms, likely designed to protect them from attack or to prevent a chain reaction if one missile explodes. The site includes roads connecting these launch areas to buildings that may be intended for missile maintenance, and to an existing complex of five nuclear warhead storage bunkers.

Eveleth believes this setup is intended for a large, fixed missile system, with the Burevestnik being the only such system Russia is currently developing. Neither Russia's defence ministry nor its embassy in Washington responded to requests for comments regarding the missile's deployment, its strategic value, or the associated risks.

Eveleth and Jeffery Lewis, another researcher from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, believe the identification of this site suggests Russia is moving forward with the Burevestnik's deployment despite several test failures in recent years. Lewis confirmed Eveleth's assessment after reviewing the satellite imagery, noting the site appears to be unique and aligns with known developments of a nuclear-powered missile.

Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists also reviewed the imagery and suggested that while the features appear to potentially relate to the Burevestnik, he could not make a definitive conclusion due to Russia's usual practice of keeping missile launchers separate from nuclear warhead storage. However, deploying the Burevestnik at Vologda would enable the Russian military to keep nuclear-armed missiles in bunkers, ready for rapid launch, as noted by Eveleth and Lewis.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has indicated that Moscow intends to revise its nuclear weapon use guidelines in response to perceived Western escalation in the Ukraine conflict. The deployment of the Burevestnik is not restricted by the New START treaty, the last agreement between the US and Russia that limits strategic nuclear weapons, which is set to expire in February 2026. While there is a provision for the U.S. to request negotiations to include the Burevestnik under the treaty's limits, no such discussions have been initiated.

Russia has declined US invitations for unconditional talks to replace New START, raising concerns about a renewed nuclear arms race post-2026.

Pavel Podvig, an expert on Russia's nuclear forces based in Geneva, suggests that Moscow might use the Burevestnik as leverage in any future negotiations, describing it as a "political weapon" that Putin has used to signal to Washington the seriousness of Russia's concerns over U.S. missile defences and other issues.