Putin Mentions New Weapons
At a press conference following the CIS summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 10, 2025, when asked if he was concerned about the US refusing to extend the New START Treaty, Putin replied, "That's not a problem. We have room for development. We have the latest weapons, and we are advancing their development. I believe that in the near future we will have the opportunity to announce the new weapons we have previously announced."
The "Petrel" nuclear-powered cruise missile draws attention
Chinese and foreign experts have differing views on the "new weapons" Putin referred to. Some claim they are upgraded versions of the "Vanguard" and "Zircon" hypersonic missiles, while others claim they are the "Peresvet" and "Scepter" laser weapons. However, all point to the "Petrel" nuclear-powered cruise missile (NATO codename "Skyfall").
Nuclear power draws international attention
Cruise missiles are not unfamiliar, but the concept of "nuclear power" has attracted close attention from the international community. The nuclear propulsion system is a core issue in the development of nuclear-powered cruise missiles. So, how exactly is this power generated?
Differences Between Nuclear and Conventional Power
Conventional Cruise Missile Power
Conventional cruise missiles typically use aviation kerosene as fuel, burning it to generate high-temperature, high-pressure gas that propels the missile. Jet fuel has high combustion efficiency and a low freezing point, providing stable propulsion for missiles in diverse environments. However, its relatively limited energy density limits the missile's range and endurance.
US Navy Successfully Test-Fired GPS-Enabled Tomahawk Cruise Missile - Military - People's Daily Online
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For example, the US Tomahawk cruise missile has a maximum range of approximately 2,500 kilometers and requires limited fuel reserves to plan flight routes and execute missions.
Nuclear Cruise Missile Power
Nuclear cruise missiles use nuclear reactors to generate power. The reactor heats air to a high temperature, further increasing its pressure before it is ejected from the tail nozzle, generating reaction thrust that propels the missile.
This propulsion method theoretically gives the missile nearly unlimited endurance, allowing it to remain in flight as long as the nuclear fuel supply is sufficient. For example, Russia's "Petrel" nuclear-powered cruise missile, whose nuclear propulsion system provides it with unique tactical performance enhancements, theoretically enabling it to fly for days or even years.
Summary of Differences
Comparison Items
Conventional Cruise Missile (Aviation Kerosene Powered)
Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile
Power Source
Aviation Kerosene Combustion
Nuclear Reactor
Endurance
Limited range due to fuel capacity limitations. For example, the Tomahawk cruise missile has a maximum range of approximately 2,500 kilometers.
Nearly unlimited endurance. For example, the Petrel can theoretically fly for days or even years.
Environmental Impact
Combustion produces relatively few pollutants, but primarily conventional pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
In the event of an accident, there is a risk of serious nuclear leakage and contamination. Even during normal operation, the engine exhaust also contains radioactive substances.
Strategic Significance
Primarily used for short- and medium-range precision strikes and tactical attacks on targets.
Capable of global strikes, it can alter the strategic landscape and possesses a strong strategic deterrent capability. It can remain in the air for extended periods, allowing it to launch an attack at the optimal moment.
Relationship between Nuclear Power and Light Water Reactors
The power generation principle of a nuclear-powered cruise missile is very similar to that of the nuclear island of a light water reactor nuclear power plant. Light water reactor (LWR) nuclear power plants are categorized as pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs) based on their steam generation methods. Their operating methods differ somewhat.
The closed-loop cycle of a nuclear-powered cruise missile corresponds to the PWR of a light water reactor (LWR), while the open-loop cycle corresponds to the BWR of a LWR. Let's take a closer look at the specifics of PWRs and BWRs.
Detailed Explanation of the Working Principle of a PWR Nuclear Power Plant
(I) Fission Heat Generation
PWR nuclear power plants use nuclear fuel made from uranium, such as the common low-enriched uranium-235 (LEU). Inside the reactor, neutrons strike uranium-235 nuclei, splitting them (fission). This process releases a large amount of heat energy and produces new neutrons. These new neutrons in turn trigger further fission, forming a controlled chain reaction that continuously and steadily releases heat energy. Like a series of tightly linked dominoes, one falling domino triggers the next, generating a continuous stream of energy.
Image source: Internet
(II) Primary Circulation
The main coolant pump continuously pumps water into the core. Inside the core, the water absorbs the immense heat energy generated by nuclear fuel fission, heating it to a high-temperature, high-pressure water temperature of 327°C and 155 atmospheres of pressure. This high-temperature, high-pressure water acts as a "heat carrier." It then flows through the heat transfer U-tubes within the steam generator, transferring the heat energy it carries through the tube walls to the secondary cooling water outside the U-tubes.
After completing the heat transfer, the cooled water is pumped back into the core by the primary coolant pump, where it is heated again and re-enters the steam generators. This cycle continues within this closed loop, known as the primary circuit. It acts like the "heat transfer artery" of a nuclear power plant, continuously and steadily removing heat from the core.
(III) Secondary Power Generation
The secondary water outside the steam generator U-tubes absorbs heat from the primary circuit and is heated to steam. This steam possesses powerful energy, like a powerful "power source." Steam drives the turbine generator to perform work, converting heat energy into electricity, completing the crucial energy conversion process from thermal energy to mechanical energy and then to electrical energy.
After performing work, the steam consumes some of its energy and enters the condenser for cooling. Here, the steam cools and turns into liquid water, which is condensed. The condensed water is then pumped back to the steam generator by the feedwater pump, where it is heated again to steam, continuing the cycle anew. This continuous steam-water cycle is known as the secondary circuit and forms the "power conversion chain" of nuclear power plants, ultimately converting heat energy into the electricity we use in our lives.
Detailed Explanation of the Working Principle of a Boiling Water Reactor Nuclear Power Plant
(I) Boiling in the Reactor
The fuel used in a boiling water reactor, like that of a pressurized water reactor, is low-enriched uranium dioxide. When the reactor is operating, cooling water flows from the bottom of the reactor into the core. As it flows around the fuel rods, it absorbs heat energy generated by the fission of the nuclear fuel. As the heat absorbed increases, the cooling water temperature continues to rise, gradually transforming from liquid to gas, ultimately forming a mixture of steam and water.
This process is like boiling water in a large kettle. When the water reaches a certain temperature, it begins to boil and produces steam. In a boiling water reactor (BWR), the core acts like this "kettle," allowing the cooling water to transform directly from liquid to a steam-water mixture within the reactor. The operating pressure is approximately 70 atmospheres, lower than the 155 atmospheres of a pressurized water reactor (PWR), making it easier for the water to boil and produce steam.
(II) Direct Power Generation
The resulting steam and water mixture flows upward to the steam-water separator at the top of the reactor. The steam-water separator acts as a highly efficient "separation device," precisely separating steam and water droplets, extracting pure steam and preventing water droplets from entering the turbine. If water droplets enter the turbine, they could damage the turbine blades at high speeds, acting like small pebbles, affecting power generation efficiency and equipment safety. The separated dry steam directly drives the turbine generator to produce work. The steam's thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy in the turbine, which drives the generator rotor to rotate at high speed, cutting magnetic flux lines and generating alternating current, completing the critical conversion process from nuclear energy to electrical energy. Because steam in a boiling water reactor is generated and used for power generation directly within the reactor, the steam generator is eliminated, making its structure simpler than that of a pressurized water reactor. However, this also means that the steam comes into direct contact with the nuclear fuel, inevitably becoming contaminated by radioactivity.
Power Generation Principle of a Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missile
(I) Inlet Precompression
When a nuclear-powered cruise missile flies at high speed in the atmosphere, air rushes into the inlet at extremely high speed. The inlet acts like a carefully designed "air conditioner," its unique shape and structure cleverly precompressing the incoming air. This is like using a pump to inflate a bicycle tire: the compression of the pump increases the air pressure.
In the inlet, the air velocity gradually decreases, while the pressure and temperature gradually increase. After pre-compression, the air becomes denser and carries a more concentrated amount of energy, fully preparing it for the subsequent heating process in the nuclear reactor. This is like setting a solid stage for a spectacular performance, enabling the subsequent energy conversion process to proceed efficiently.
(II) Nuclear Reactor Heating
The pre-compressed air then flows into the nuclear reactor. The nuclear reactor is the "energy core" of the entire power generation process, generating enormous amounts of heat through the fission reaction of nuclear fuel. In a closed cycle, the primary circuit uses liquid metals such as sodium and potassium as coolant. These liquid metals act as diligent "heat transporters," operating stably at atmospheric pressure, transferring the heat generated by the nuclear reactor to the air in the secondary circuit.
The air in the secondary circuit is heated in a heat exchanger. During this process, the air does not come into contact with the nuclear fuel, theoretically preventing radioactive contamination. It's like transferring heat between two rooms, but with a barrier between them to prevent interference between the two. In an open cycle, the nuclear reactor directly acts as the combustion chamber. Air flows directly through the reactor, coming into close contact with the nuclear fuel. The heat generated by the reactor rapidly heats the air to a high temperature, further increasing the pressure. However, due to the air's direct contact with the nuclear fuel, it is inevitably contaminated by radioactivity. This is like placing an object directly on a fire to heat it. While the heating rate is rapid, the object will also be contaminated by the fire's characteristics.
(3) Jet Produces Thrust
Whether in a closed or open cycle, the air heated to high temperature and pressure acts like ignited "powerful rocket fuel."
This air, driven by a strong pressure differential, is ejected from the tail nozzle at extremely high speeds. According to Newton's third law, the action and reaction are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. When air is ejected backward at high speed, it generates a powerful reaction thrust. This thrust acts like an invisible yet powerful hand, propelling the missile through the air at high speed. As long as the nuclear reactor operates stably and continuously provides heat energy to the air, the missile, driven by this thrust, can maintain its flight for extended periods, achieving near-infinite endurance. Like a restless air warrior, it soars freely across the sky.
Other Key Points of Nuclear-Powered Cruise Missiles
(I) Rocket-Assisted Launch
During the initial launch phase of a nuclear-powered cruise missile, its nuclear propulsion system cannot immediately activate and provide sufficient thrust. This is when rocket boosters play a crucial role. Rocket boosters act as a powerful aid for the missile's takeoff. They are filled with high-performance solid or liquid fuel. When the missile launch command is issued, the rocket boosters rapidly ignite, and the fuel burns violently, generating powerful thrust. Driven by this thrust, the missile soars from the launch platform at an extremely high speed and accelerates to a certain speed in a short period of time.
This speed is crucial; it is a prerequisite for the successful activation of the nuclear propulsion system. Only when the missile reaches the appropriate speed can air flow enter the nuclear reactor with sufficient pressure and velocity to remove heat and eject it at high speed, allowing the nuclear propulsion system to take over the missile's power supply. For example, during launch, Russia's "Petrel" nuclear-powered cruise missile relies on rocket boosters to quickly ascend and accelerate, creating conditions for the subsequent activation of the nuclear propulsion system.
(II) Technical Difficulties and Challenges
Nuclear Contamination Risk: Nuclear-powered cruise missiles face a serious nuclear contamination problem. In the open-loop circulation mode, air passes directly through the reactor and comes into contact with the nuclear fuel. After being heated, it carries radioactive materials and is discharged from the tail nozzle, forming a "radioactive corridor" along the flight path, threatening the ecology, flora, fauna, and human health along the way. In the closed-loop mode, although the secondary air loop theoretically does not come into contact with the nuclear fuel, equipment failures (such as pipe ruptures and seal failures) can still lead to radioactive material leaks. The US "Pluto" nuclear-powered cruise missile project was ultimately abandoned due to its inability to effectively address this problem.
Testing Difficulties: Nuclear-powered cruise missile testing faces two major challenges. First, due to the nuclear contamination generated by testing, suitable test sites are extremely difficult to find. Even Russia, with its vast territory, faces this challenge. In 2017, Nordic countries repeatedly observed abnormally elevated radiation levels, which Western media suggested may be related to Russian missile test flights. Second, testing costs are enormous, covering missile development and manufacturing, site security, environmental monitoring, and post-processing. Furthermore, the technical complexity leads to a high risk of test failure, further increasing R&D costs and time.
Infrastructure Construction: Maintaining and deploying nuclear-powered cruise missiles requires dedicated infrastructure, which is more complex and expensive than conventional missile technical bases. These facilities must not only meet the requirements for missile storage, transportation, and launch, but also possess nuclear reactor-related capabilities, such as dedicated nuclear radiation protection facilities, high-precision reactor operation monitoring systems, and comprehensive nuclear waste disposal capabilities. Furthermore, deployment locations must be carefully selected based on safety, secrecy, and strategic considerations.
Summary and Outlook
Nuclear-powered cruise missiles pre-compress air in their air intakes, heat it in nuclear reactors, and then eject it from the tail nozzle, generating reaction thrust to propel the missile. These missiles operate in either closed or open cycles. Closed cycles are relatively environmentally friendly, while open cycles pose nuclear pollution risks and require rocket boosters during the initial launch phase. They offer near-infinite endurance, strong penetration capabilities, global strike potential, and dual nuclear deterrence. However, they also face challenges such as nuclear contamination risks, testing difficulties, and complex and expensive infrastructure construction.
Future Development Prospects and Possible Impacts
Technological Breakthroughs and Improvements: With the continuous advancement of science and technology, future nuclear-powered cruise missiles are expected to achieve greater breakthroughs in nuclear reactor miniaturization, nuclear contamination control, and improving missile reliability and stability. For example, the development of more advanced shielding materials and technologies will reduce the risk of nuclear contamination; improvements in nuclear reactor design will enhance energy conversion efficiency and further enhance missile performance.
Strategic Impact: The development of nuclear-powered cruise missiles will have a profound impact on the global strategic landscape. They enhance the strategic deterrent capabilities of possessing states and alter the traditional military balance. States possessing such weapons may have a greater voice in international affairs, prompting other countries to reassess their security strategies and military deployments, potentially triggering a new arms race. This could also prompt the international community to strengthen arms control negotiations and cooperation to maintain global strategic stability.
International Cooperation and Restrictions: Given the significant potential threat posed by nuclear-powered cruise missiles, the international community is likely to strengthen cooperation and develop relevant international rules and restrictive measures. Through diplomatic channels and international organizations, countries should be encouraged to exercise transparency and restraint in the development, testing, and deployment of nuclear-powered cruise missiles, prevent their proliferation and misuse, and jointly safeguard global peace and security.
