Russia claims successful test of ‘Skyfall’ nuclear-powered missile that can strike anywhere on Earth

Russia claims to have successfully tested its long-troubled nuclear-powered missile, known domestically as Burevestnik and by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) as "Skyfall".

According to Russia’s top general, Valery Gerasimov, the missile, capable of carrying a nuclear payload, achieved a successful flight after more than a decade of failed trials.

International correspondent Adam Gilchrist explains that Burevestnik is designed as a low-flying, nuclear-powered cruise missile with an extraordinary potential range of up to 20,000 kilometres, theoretically allowing it to strike any target on Earth while evading radar detection. 

Gilchrist said the test marks a significant moment in Russia’s efforts to modernise and showcase its strategic weapons programme amid heightened global tensions.

He added that the development of Skyfall underscores renewed competition in long-range nuclear capabilities and raises fresh concerns about an escalating global arms race.

"I seem to remember that in 'The Hunt for Red October', when Russia had a seemingly unstoppable silent submarine, the captain, Sean Connery, did the right thing and handed the technology over. I can't quite see it with this missile."

To listen to Gilchrist in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below [skip to 1:50]: