Also, the shelter usually hiding the launch pad was moved aside. A similar notice was issued prior to the test of the Burevestnik missile in 2019, according to The New York Times. The Burevestnik is a highly advanced intercontinental cruise missile with an unlimited range due to its nuclear power plant. Apparently the Burevestnik intercontinental cruise missile can use either a conventional or nuclear warhead, so this is not a nuclear weapons test. While this could be potentially dangerous in itself, a missile with a nuclear reactor on board would spread radioactive fissile material from the debris across a large region of the land and sea.

Source: New York Times October 04, 2023 07:27 UTC