Radioactive trail in the sky? How Putin's Burevestnik 'Skyfall' missile could backfire on Russia

Russia's controversial nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik, may leave a trail of radioactive material in the atmosphere during flight, according to a new study by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The findings raise fresh concerns about the environmental and safety risks associated with one of President Vladimir Putin's most ambitious strategic weapons programmes.The study, conducted by MIT researchers Jake Hecla and R Scott Kemp, suggests the missile is likely powered by a direct-cycle nuclear propulsion system in which outside air passes directly through a nuclear reactor before being expelled as exhaust.

According to the researchers, this process could release radioactive particles into the atmosphere along the missile's flight path.Known by Nato as the SSC-X-9 Skyfall, the Burevestnik was first unveiled by Putin in 2018 as part of a new generation of Russian strategic weapons designed to evade missile defences and achieve near-unlimited range.What did the MIT researchers find?The researchers analysed publicly available images and performance data and concluded that the Burevestnik is "almost certain" to use a direct-cycle air-breathing nuclear propulsion system, most likely powering a turbojet engine.Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that use a closed-loop cooling system, the direct-cycle design draws atmospheric air through the reactor core, heats it and expels it to generate thrust.

While the approach allows for a lighter and more compact engine, it also creates the risk of radioactive contamination, according to The War Zone.

According to the study, the exhaust could contain radioactive isotopes such as argon, krypton and carbon, potentially scattering them across the atmosphere and the ground below.

The longer the missile remains airborne, the greater the amount of radioactive material that could be released.Why are experts concerned?The researchers warned that prolonged operation could also damage the reactor itself.

Heat and compressed air may gradually corrode the reactor core, producing additional radioactive particles.The study also revisits previous incidents linked to the Burevestnik programme.

In 2019, an explosion at a facility in Russia's White Sea region killed five Rosatom scientists and caused a temporary radiation spike.

The MIT researchers believe the accident may have involved an attempt to recover a Burevestnik reactor from the seabed.Why is Russia pursuing the project?The Burevestnik's main advantage is its potentially near-unlimited range.

Unlike conventional cruise missiles, it could remain airborne for extended periods and approach targets from unexpected directions, complicating enemy defence planning.Russia announced in 2025 that the missile had successfully completed a 15-hour flight test above the Arctic, a milestone that researchers believe may represent the first sustained flight of a nuclear-powered aircraft.However, the MIT study suggests the programme may be as much about developing future nuclear-powered technologies as it is about the missile itself.

Researchers said the lessons learned could eventually contribute to more advanced systems, including nuclear-powered drones or space-based platforms.The study concludes that the Burevestnik may represent a significant technological achievement, but one accompanied by serious environmental and safety concerns.

While the missile could offer Russia a unique strategic capability, experts warn that its operation may come at the cost of releasing radioactive material into the environment and exposing people near its flight path to potential risks.