U.S. Nuclear Surveillance Aircraft Flies Near Russian Strategic Nuclear Bases, Raising Speculation of New Missile Test

Kokcha News Agency – A U.S. Air Force WC-135R aircraft, designed to monitor atmospheric nuclear tests, has flown near Russia’s strategic nuclear bases in the northwest region of the country. The flight, which took off from RAF Mildenhall in eastern England, circled over the Barents Sea near Murmansk for approximately 14 hours before returning to the UK.

Strategic Importance of Murmansk:
The Murmansk region in northwestern Russia is strategically significant, hosting several naval and air bases, including the headquarters of Russia’s powerful Northern Fleet. This fleet plays a key role in Moscow’s nuclear arsenal. The region is also adjacent to NATO members Norway and Finland.

In recent months, Russian officials have indicated that Moscow no longer considers itself bound by nuclear and conventional intermediate and short-range missile limitations, raising concerns about a potential escalation in nuclear testing.

The WC-135R Aircraft:
The WC-135R, known as the “Constant Phoenix” or “nuke sniffer,” is a specialized aircraft modified to support the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty, which prohibits atmospheric nuclear tests. The aircraft is capable of detecting radioactive clouds in real time, making it a critical tool for monitoring nuclear activity.

Speculation of a New Nuclear Test:
Online analysts tracking the flight have suggested that the WC-135R’s mission may be linked to a potential new test of Russia’s 9M730 Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile at the Novaya Zemlya test site. Novaya Zemlya, a remote Arctic archipelago, has long been used for nuclear testing.

The Burevestnik, referred to as SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO, is a nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missile believed to have nearly unlimited range and the ability to evade Western air defense systems.