By Decker Eveleth and Jeffrey Lewis The Russian center is located about 475 km north of Moscow. Researchers say that's where The Kremlin keeps its modern cruise missile 9M370 Buriewiestnik with an experimental nuclear propulsion and equipped with a nuclear warhead.
The base was located based on the analysis of satellite images taken on July 26 by the commercial company Planet Labs, which has photos taken from space. wooded areamarked out in a shape resembling a circle, and complex still under construction.
Russia. Scientists claim to have discovered Kremlin's advanced weapons base
Eveleth pointed out that one can see in the photo nine launchers still at the construction stage.
– They are arranged in three groups inside high embankments, so that protect them from attack the prevent accidental explosion in one of the warheads, which could detonate missiles in the remaining mounds, the analyst told Reuters.
According to the scientist, the mentioned embankments are connected by a network of roads with buildingswhich will most likely be the target a place where missiles are serviced and their components. Roads also lead to the existing complex five bunkerswhere they are supposed to be stored heads only.
Buriewiestnik praised by Russians. “Invincible weapon”
Buriewiestnik is, according to Kremlin propaganda, a weapon “invincible”. Praising the design of the projectile, Vladimir Putin he said so far that he has “unlimited range”and is also capable of bypassing US missile defense.
“Some Western experts, however, question Putin's claims and the strategic value of Burevestnik, arguing that it will not add abilities that Moscow she no longer had” – Reuters points out. Experts quoted by the agency also point out that a potential detonation of the weapon could cause unwanted radiation.
Reuters contacted American scientists about the discovery Ministry of Defense in Moscow and with embassy Russia w Washington. Neither a ministry nor a diplomatic mission They didn't answer however, to questions regarding the actual strategic value Buriewiestnik, test results its use, and also the risks it poses.