A few days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted that Russia would soon unveil a «new weapon». His remarks triggered a sharp international reaction, particularly in the West, where they were interpreted as a show of force.

Military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov suggested that Putin may have been referring to the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile. He described it as a «doomsday weapon» designed for use only in the event of a global nuclear war. According to him, the onboard nuclear power unit, if damaged or destroyed, could contaminate surrounding territory, making the system a last-resort deterrent.

Knutov also noted that the president might have been alluding to advanced hypersonic systems such as the Avangard missile. These weapons travel at extreme speeds and altitudes, making them exceptionally difficult to detect or intercept.

Beyond these, Knutov did not rule out that Russian specialists are working on weapons based on new physical principles. He cited combat lasers and electromagnetic guns capable of disabling electronics and destroying swarms of drones.

In conclusion, Knutov suggested that Putin’s remarks most likely referred either to Burevestnik or to emerging systems built on new physical principles. He added that an official statement from the Russian government on the matter could follow in the near future.