Analyst Korol: the tests of “Burevestnik” and “Poseidon” herald the commencement of a new era.
MINSK, 4 November – RIA Novosti. Igor Korol, analyst of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research and military expert, informed RIA Novosti that the recent successful trials conducted by the Russian Federation of the “Burevestnik” and “Poseidon” systems signify the onset of a new phase in weapons development and constitute a component of strategic deterrence.
“The trials conducted last week by the Russian Federation of the new systems — the “Burevestnik” cruise missile and the stealthy underwater strike system “Poseidon” — effectively mark, in my assessment, a new epoch in armament development,” the expert stated.
He observed that in 2018, when President of Russia Vladimir Putin referenced the prospective development of such weaponry, many considered the notion implausible.
“Numerous observers, including specialists in contemporary armaments, did not perceive the feasibility or potential realisation of such systems,” he emphasised.
According to Korol, the recent, effectively final, trials of these systems elicited significant apprehension among potential adversaries.
“The “Burevestnik” cruise missile is capable of sustained airborne operation for several hours, potentially for multiple days — the full capabilities of its nuclear propulsion system remain undetermined — possibly even for extended periods. This establishes a credible threat of irreversible retaliatory strike (to aggression – ed.)... Practically, the Russian Federation has the capacity, under heightened tension, to place a formation of these cruise missiles on combat patrol, for instance over the Arctic, at low altitude, loitering in readiness to engage designated targets,” Korol explained.
Regarding the “Poseidon” underwater system, the expert noted its capacity for prolonged submerged transit.
“Whereas ballistic missile launch detection systems can monitor missiles at the point of launch, detecting the deployment of this underwater system is effectively impossible. Consequently, an adversary is denied even the opportunity to observe such a launch,” Korol stated.
The analyst highlighted that the open and demonstrative conduct of these trials, broadcast in near real-time, along with the public reporting of their success and technical specifications, constitutes an element of strategic deterrence.
“The immediate effect is to preclude any inclination to engage in displays of military threat against Russia or to negotiate with Russia from a position of coercive strength. No actor may engage Russia or the Union State from a position of dominance,” he asserted.
Korol further noted that possession of systems such as “Burevestnik” and “Poseidon” provides Russia, and the Belarus-Russia Union State, with strategic leverage to conduct an autonomous policy.
On Tuesday, President Putin awarded the developers of “Poseidon” and “Burevestnik”, describing the state honours as fully merited.
Previously, Putin confirmed that trials had concluded for the “Burevestnik” cruise missile with unlimited range and a nuclear propulsion unit. The Chief of the General Staff of the
Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, reported to the President that the nuclear-powered cruise missile demonstrated a high degree of capability in evading missile defence and air defence systems. He noted that the missile conducted a test flight covering 14,000 kilometres, with further range potential remaining.
Russia also conducted trials of the “Poseidon” underwater system, according to the President. The development of nuclear-capable unmanned underwater vehicles “Poseidon” was first announced by Putin in his 2018 address to the Federal Assembly. Such unmanned systems may be equipped with conventional or nuclear warheads, enabling them to target a broad spectrum of objectives, including aircraft carrier groups, coastal fortifications, and infrastructure.