(MENAFN) Russia’s recently tested, unlimited-range nuclear-powered missile, the Burevestnik, represents a significant shift in military capabilities and is poised to greatly impact the United States’ plans for its ‘Golden Dome’ anti-missile defense system, according to Stanislav Krapivnik, a former US Army officer.

Speaking to a news agency, Krapivnik shared his insights shortly after Moscow confirmed a successful test of the missile on Sunday. The Russian military reported that the missile covered a distance exceeding 14,000 kilometers during a multi-hour test flight earlier that week.

Krapivnik emphasized that the Burevestnik is a revolutionary weapon.

"The Burevestnik is a game changer… the missile can go around anti-aircraft zones around radar zones… it stayed in the air for 16 hours. Possibly can stay in the air longer. What this means is it’s a second-strike weapon, which means that if Russia is struck, it will strike back," he explained.

The missile’s extended flight duration and potential for prolonged airborne time highlight its unique capabilities as a retaliatory weapon.

The development of this missile is expected to influence the United States' strategy for the 'Golden Dome' defense system, which, while projected to be "up and going," is unlikely to be operational before 2030.

According to Krapivnik, the Burevestnik missile presents significant challenges to existing defense frameworks. "Right now, radar systems and anti-aircraft systems, normally for ballistic missiles like this, are set up on likely ballistic trajectories from nations that may fire on the US: North Korea, China, and Russia. So they don’t have to cover the entire US. With this missile, they would have to cover the entire United States, which makes everything much, much more difficult and much more expensive," he noted, highlighting the increased complexity and cost that the Burevestnik introduces to missile defense planning.

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