The Chinese news portal Sohu has concluded that the new missile recently announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin will be fundamentally different from all existing types of weaponry.

According to the article’s author, the development mentioned by Putin could be the long-rumored Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile currently under testing in Russia. The publication noted that this system, if confirmed, would mark a new stage in the evolution of strategic deterrence capabilities.

Sohu emphasized that the Burevestnik is designed for exceptionally long-range missions and can maintain high flight speed while performing complex maneuvers. The missile, according to the Chinese analysts, is capable of bypassing any Western air defense or missile defense systems, which makes it an effective deterrent against the United States and NATO.

The portal described the weapon as a potential «serious restraining factor» for Washington and its allies, pointing to its unique flight profile and endurance made possible by its nuclear propulsion system.

Earlier, another Chinese military commentator from China Media Group also suggested that the new weapon mentioned by Putin could either be the Burevestnik cruise missile with a nuclear engine or an updated modification of the Tsirkon hypersonic missile.

Last week, President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would soon field several new types of strategic weapons. He said the country was actively expanding its arsenal of nuclear deterrence tools and confirmed that testing of these systems had been progressing successfully.

The Burevestnik, according to Russian reports, passed state trials two years ago. Russian defense officials have described the missile as having unlimited range and being invulnerable to all current and even future air and missile defense systems.