“Exotic and dangerous”: Putin apparently wants to test a nuclear weapon in the Arctic

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Rough seas, sub-zero temperatures and remote locations: under these conditions, Russia is apparently testing nuclear weapons in the Arctic. This is evident from satellite images and aviation data.

According to revelations in the New York Times, the ‘Storm Bird’ cruise missile may have taken place or is still taking place at the remote Pankowo launch pad. The newspaper refers to modified satellite images of this driveway. There are numerous vehicles on site, as well as a trailer the size of a cruise missile. A roof that normally covers the driveway has been moved.

If the test is successful, the Russian ‘petrel’ could theoretically fly up to 20,500 kilometers – meaning it could fly halfway around the world and to any destination in the US, for example. Its range would therefore be greater than that of other nuclear weapons. Usually this is 15,000 kilometers.

Never used in practice

The weapon is unique and “has never been used by any other country.” The ‘Nuclear Threat Initiative’ wrote this in a briefing. The Washington-based non-profit organization warns about nuclear developments and lobbies against the use of nuclear weapons.

It is believed that the cruise missile will first start with a solid rocket motor and then ignite a nuclear reactor in mid-air. With a nuclear weapon, the cruise missile could destroy large urban areas and military targets, experts say.

“The weapon is dangerous and exotic,” says the director of the Arms Control Association. Officially, Russian President Vladimir Putin (70) would use the weapon as a second strike – that is, if Russia itself is attacked with nuclear missiles, experts write. The weapon should be ready for use in 2025. The Nuclear Threat Initiative considers this unlikely – but tests could still pose a danger.

In 2019, seven people died during a test

As early as 2018, Putin announced that he wanted to develop six strategic nuclear weapons. In a speech at the time, he said: “You have failed to contain Russia.” Since that announcement, the weapon has reportedly been tested several times, but never successfully. The cruise missile exploded during a test in 2019, killing seven people.

Another note: On August 31, Russian authorities warned of a “temporary danger area.” They advised pilots to avoid part of the Barents Sea and airspace 12 miles (19 kilometers) from the launch pad, the New York Times reported. The requirement has been extended several times and applies until October 6.

Preparations for the launch must take place 2,000 kilometers from Moscow. Only about 2,000 people live on the island of Novaya Zemlya, in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. (An)

Source: Blick