Reuters reported on the 13th (local time) that Russia has been detected preparing to test-fire the new intercontinental cruise missile '9M730 Burevestnik', which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Jeffrey Lewis, director of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, and Decker Eblis, a researcher at think tank CNA, recently stated that they confirmed Russia has increased personnel and equipment and deployed test-related aircraft and ships based on the analysis of satellite images taken by the private satellite company Planet Labs.
The images show two aircraft equipped with test data collection equipment stationed at the Pankovo test site in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, Barents Sea. Additionally, at least five ships used in past missile tests were also identified.
According to the safety advisory service from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Russia issued several notices indicating the test window as August 9 to 22.
Norwegian military authorities stated that "the Barents Sea is a key area for Russia to test missiles," but added, "While there are indications of test preparation activities, we will not confirm whether a specific weapon test is underway."
Lewis mentioned the likelihood of Russia's test this week, analyzing that it could overshadow the U.S.-Russia summit scheduled for the 15th in Alaska. A Western security source also confirmed that Russia is preparing for the test.
The Burevestnik is the missile referred to by NATO as 'SSC-X-9 Skyfall', which can carry nuclear warheads and is believed to be able to evade the U.S. missile defense system by flying at low altitudes for extended periods. Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized since the weapon's development that its range is virtually unlimited and its trajectory unpredictable, asserting that it can neutralize missile defense systems.
Experts analyze that Russia has devoted more effort to the development of Burevestnik since U.S. President Donald Trump announced the development of the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system last January. However, the actual capability to evade defense systems remains unclear, and concerns have been raised about the potential release of radiation during flight.
Reuters, citing researchers and experts, reported that the test plan was likely set before the announcement of the Trump-Putin meeting. Some believe that President Putin may have temporarily halted test preparations in response to U.S. reconnaissance satellites.