Russia is likely preparing for new tests of the “Burevestnik” missile. Specialized aviation, ships, and airspace restrictions have already been observed in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.
Russian missile (illustrative photo)
Russia is likely gearing up for a new season of testing its nuclear-powered cruise missile, the “Burevestnik.” Aircraft and vessels, potentially for monitoring test launches, have been detected in and around the Novaya Zemlya archipelago.
This is indicated by recent satellite imagery analyzed by The Barents Observer team.
Two Il-976 SKIP command and telemetry aircraft have arrived at the Rogachevo airbase in Novaya Zemlya. The first appeared last week, and the second between August 22nd and 23rd.
Additionally, a modernized A-50U long-range radar detection aircraft has been spotted at the base. Il-976 SKIP aircraft are equipped with specialized tracking and monitoring equipment, including radiation detection systems.
A modernized A-50U long-range radar detection aircraft has been spotted at the base / © AviVector
Two Il-976 SKIP command and telemetry aircraft have arrived at the Rogachevo airbase in Novaya Zemlya. / © AviVector
Aviation and Ships Mobilized to the Area
Currently, Rogachevo also hosts four An-26 aircraft, one An-74D, and helicopters that may be used to transport personnel to Pankovo and Severny—areas associated with the Russian testing range.
Over the past decade, Russia has constructed a specialized launch complex in Pankovo, approximately 170 km from Rogachevo, for “Burevestnik” trials.
This week, a portion of the Barents Sea near the launch zone has been closed to flights. Similar restrictions on air and sea space near Novaya Zemlya have been implemented numerous times between August and October.
Furthermore, ships have been observed on both the western and eastern sides of the archipelago. It is likely they are intended to track test flights, record impact locations, and assist in subsequent recovery operations.
“Burevestnik” Reportedly Flew for 15 Hours
In October 2025, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to Vladimir Putin about an allegedly successful test of the “Burevestnik.” According to the Russian account, the missile covered approximately 14,000 kilometers and remained airborne for about 15 hours.
Later, the Norwegian military intelligence confirmed the occurrence of a test flight.
Putin first publicly unveiled the “Burevestnik” in 2018, describing it as a missile with virtually unlimited range and the capability to maneuver around anti-missile defense systems.
Risk of Radioactive Contamination Exists
A distinctive feature of the “Burevestnik” is its use of a nuclear power plant. It is believed that the high-enriched uranium reactor might operate using an open-air cooling scheme.
Consequently, tests of such a missile could potentially be accompanied by radioactive material emissions.
In August 2019, an explosion occurred near the Nyonoksa testing range in the White Sea during activities linked to this program. Five employees of Rosatom died, and a temporary increase in radiation levels was recorded in Severodvinsk.
Following the accident, “Burevestnik” tests were relocated to Novaya Zemlya, where Russia continued to develop the relevant infrastructure.
It was previously reported that Russia had deployed its new Project 09851 nuclear submarine, the “Khabarovsk,” to sea for the first time. The submarine is equipped with six launch tubes for “Poseidon” nuclear torpedoes.
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