♦ Russia has successfully tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile, a nuclear-capable weapon.

♦ The test was accompanied by an extensive nuclear forces drill, marking a high point in Moscow’s show of military readiness.

♦ The ‘Burevestnik’ cruise was in the air for 15 hours and covered 14,000 kilometres during successful trials. 

♦ The 9M730 Burevestnik, or Storm Petrel, is a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable cruise missile first unveiled by Russia in 2018.

♦ It is claimed to have an unlimited range and the ability to take unpredictable flight paths, making it difficult to intercept.

♦ Nato has designated it as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall.