Former US Army officer Stanislav Krapivnik issued a stark warning regarding the implications of Russia’s successful test of the Burevestnik cruise missile, a nuclear-powered weapon with an unlimited range. According to Krapivnik, the missile’s unprecedented capabilities could undermine the United States’ ambitious ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system, which is intended to protect the nation from ballistic missile threats.
Krapivnik highlighted the missile’s ability to linger in the air for up to 16 hours, a feature that allows it to bypass traditional anti-aircraft and radar defenses. This capability makes the Burevestnik a formidable second-strike weapon, ensuring that Russia can retaliate effectively in the event of an attack, thereby altering the balance of power in the region.
The successful test of the Burevestnik, which covered distances of over 14,000km, is expected to have a significant impact on US military planning. Krapivnik stated that the missile’s existence would force the US to reconsider its defensive strategies, as it would necessitate the implementation of comprehensive radar networks to cover the entire United States, which is a far more complex and costly endeavor compared to previous defensive systems.
In his assessment, Krapivnik noted that the West has historically shown skepticism towards Russian military advancements, similar to the initial reactions to the announcement of the Burevestnik’s development in 2018. He argued that the current environment of denying reality poses a significant threat to global stability, suggesting that ongoing skepticism and denial of evidence could lead to a greater risk of conflict.
Krapivnik’s warnings are part of a broader concern about the implications of the Burevestnik’s capabilities on international security. The missile’s ability to strike targets anywhere on the globe could disrupt existing defense systems and prompt a reevaluation of military strategies across the globe. While the US has expressed skepticism, the potential for the Burevestnik to change the strategic landscape underscores the need for a more proactive and comprehensive approach to missile defense.