Global Conflict Reporting

Category: Nuclear

  • Russia test fires a nuclear cruise missile with a nuclear reactor.

    By. Scott Jackson

    10.25.2025

    On October 21st one of Russia’s top generals announced that Russia had carried out a test on the claimed, nuclear powered ‘Burevestnik’ subsonic cruise missile. 

    Burevestnik launcher.

    “We have launched a multi-hour flight of a nuclear-powered missile and it covered a 14,000km (8,700-mile) distance, which is not the limit,” Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov told President Vladimir Putin in a televised meeting.

    Code named SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO this low flying cruise missile is suspected to be powered by a miniature nuclear reactor that kicks in after the missile has been launched conventionally from the ground. This reactor gives it an incredible range.

    General Gerasimov said the missile flew for a total of 15 hours on its latest test while its horizontal and vertical capabilities were tested. 

    “Therefore, it demonstrated high capabilities to bypass missile and air defence systems,” Tass reported Gen Gerasimov as saying.

    First mentioned in 2018 this missile has been debated in defense circles and among analysts who can’t agree on its claimed effectiveness. It’s suspected, and claimed by Russia, to be able to strike the United States, while being launched from anywhere in Russia. The missile can carry a conventional warhead but is designed with nuclear warheads in mind. 

    The News agency Reuters did an investigation into the suspected launch site for the weapon last year in September. This investigation concluded that the site for the launch of Skyfall was a nuclear storage facility located about 300 miles North of Moscow known as Vologda-20. 

    Vologda-20

    Decker Eveleth, an analyst with the CNA research and analysis organization found this satellite imagery and identified at least 9 horizontal launch pads under construction. The launch platforms are in three groups located inside a high berm to shield them from direct attacks. The high berm surrounding the groups also protects in case of accidental explosion from destroying or detonating the other missiles and  launchers. The site shows what Decker believes to be lightning rods to protect the large metal equipment from Mother Nature. 

    Closer look at the launchpads.

    The berms are further linked to roads which run to buildings where the missiles are likely being stored and serviced. 

    Decker concludes the site is built “for a large, fixed missile system and the only large, fixed missile system that they’re (Russia) currently developing is the Skyfall,”

    Because Skyfall’s launch site is connected to a nuclear weapons storage site, it will allow Russia to quickly pull from storage to load and fire the weapon. 

    GCR analysis.

    This missile has some interesting features if everything Russia says about it is true. A missile’s range is usually determined by how much fuel they can carry. Since this allegedly runs on a small nuclear reactor (after launch) this missile could loiter for extended periods of time. We are talking about maybe days of flight time here. This weapon also had a much lower suspected cruise altitude of a reported 164 to 328 feet, compared to conventional powered cruise missiles. 

    Some western sources believe that Skyfall’s subsonic speeds will make it detectable by current detection methods. A response to this by Russian military expert Alexei Leonkov says the weapon is designed to be used to knock out the “remnants” of the enemy’s command and control systems, military bases, factories and power plants after Russian ICBMs have already been launched, operating in areas where air defense is already weakened or destroyed.  

    So while detecting it might be possible, it’s not likely this weapon is going to be used for anything other than what I suspect would be the very last war the earth ever has. Even if it’s used in a conventional manner this weapon still contains nuclear material, and will leave behind radiation upon detonation.

  • Several NATO nations carry out nuclear exercises.

    US Navy E-6B Mercury refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker.

    By.Scott Jackson

    09/24/2025

    On the night of September 23-24 both France and the United States carried out separate nuclear exercises. These exercises act as apart of a deterrence strategy aimed at making any potential adversaries think twice about attacking. They also provide real life training for the crews involved preparing them for a day that they hope never happens.

    Some components of these drills were monitored in real time.

    COST43 a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury.

    COST43 the callsign for a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury, the Airborne Nuclear Command Post and Communications Relay. The jet is seen in the above image heading back to Ramstein AFB, Germany after this mornings nuclear exercise by U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) over Northern Europe.

    (more…)

  • US Navy confirms Trident II test launch.

    By. Scott Jackson

    09/23/2025

    Today the U.S. Navy confirmed the suspected launch of one of its Submarine launched Trident II Life Extension Program (D5LE) Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) from an Ohio-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine off the east coast of Florida.

    On Sunday September 19th, the night sky in Puerto Rico were lit up as the launch could be seen from the Caribbean island.

    This launch was apart of a preplanned set of launches to evaluate and ensure the continued reliability and accuracy of the system. The navy statement also added that this launch was not done as a response to any ongoing world events. It’s likely the proximity to Venezuela prompted that last part of the statement.

    (more…)

  • US strikes on Iran; Operation Midnight Hammer.

    By. Scott Jackson

    06/21/2025

    According to US President Donald Trump, the attack last night at about 2:00 am (local time) on three of Iran’s nuclear sites was a success. Speaking to Fox News an hour or so after the attack Trump said that a total of six of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator- a 30,000 pound, GPS guided, “bunker buster” on Fordow others were used elsewhere. The bombs were dropped by USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bombers into Iran’s Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant. It was later reported that 7 bombers total took part in the strike, as well as a support package provided by CENTCOM.

    The Natanz and Isfahan Nuclear facilities were hit with 30 BGM-109 “Tomahawk” land-attack cruise missiles (TLAM) fired from the USS Georgia (SSGN 729).

    The result, Trump claims, was the complete destruction of all three plants.

    Satellite images from the awesome people over at Planet labs shows us the impact spot for the GBU-57’s.

    Fordow Fuel Enrichment Facility several months ago.
    Fordow image taken today, the morning after the attack 06/22/2025) .

    These next images show the spot a little better. From Maxar.

    This one clearly shows the impact crater where the bomb burrowed its way through the soil and into the mountain. The ridge of the mountain is different in this video showing just how destructive the blast actually was.

    This last image below is from Maxar as well and shows the 6 holes left by the bunker busting behemoths as they slammed through the mountain.

    You can see the entrance holes from six individual bomb in this zoomed in image of the site. The holes are in two groups fairly close together.

    In this image we can see just how accurate a B-2 launched GBU-57 MOP really is. Being GPS guided, they can almost put one in the hole left by one of the others. As a B-2 can carry two of these bombs it would appear that at least three of the stealth bombers took part in this strike. My thinking is that the two made their individual drops and the third one put one more on top of each group. Total it’s being reported that 14 of the bunker busting bombs were used according to Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Cain.

    In the weeks and days leading up to the strikes satellite images show a large number of trucks in site leading analysts to believe that a large portion of the valuable equipment had been moved from Fordow. In the following pictures 16 trucks can be seen with heavy equipment located near the entrance.

    The strikes were proceeded by a reported heavy wave of GPS jamming and other electronic interference. I haven’t heard exactly what support craft took part in this mission. The F-35 is capable of Electronic Warfare as is the EA-18G Growlers flying from the US aircraft carriers in the region. The electronic jamming added to the stealth feature of the bombers and Iran reportedly never got a shot off at them. Another suspected factor that’s come up is that it’s being reported that Israel destroyed the air defense around Fordow, specifically, at the request of the U.S. administration. This is a closer coordination between the two countries militaries than most suspected, given some of the recent comments through the media. Israeli officials had stated just hours before the attack that Israel would not wait for the two week deadline that Trump gave himself to make a decision.

    That decision was apparently made in the very last minutes as the bombers were in the air over Iran, US president Donald Trump have the order to SECDEF Pete Hegseth to bomb the facilities.

    In the aftermath of the strike Iranian officials were livid. Iran’s foreign minister accused Washington of crossing “a very big red line” and that the U.S. would face consequences. US officials, like SECDEF Pete Hegseth messaging on this has remained focused on the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities, as they try to separate Americas goals from those of Israel who likely seeks complete regime change.

    “the United States is not at war with Iran….We are at war with its nuclear ambitions,” 

    US Vice President JD Vance.

    Iran responded to the attacks by launching a ballistic missile attack in Tel Aviv several hours later, one of the largest since the start of hostilities.

    Israel today, has continued its strikes on Iran with reports of strikes in Tehran as well as Tabriz.

    B-2 Spirit

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    -Scott

  • Israel launches Operation “Rising Lion”, Striking multiple targets inside Iran, including its nuclear facilities.

    Part one, Israel’s strike on Iran.

    By. Scott Jackson

    06/13/2025

    (Buckle up folks, this is going to be a lengthy one. part two tomorrow. -Scott)

    As reported last night Israel, early on Friday morning (local time), launched a series of strikes all across Iran with a focus on targets across thr capital of Tehran as well as a number of Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities. Surprisingly some of the strikes were confirmed to have been launched by Mossad agents operating inside of Iran, a tactic Israel has used in the past for smaller scale operations. As the operation began this was the first video I noticed being circulated around.

    A view of some of the first strike to hit Tehran.

    Even now, almost a full 24 hours after this strike we don’t know Israel’s full intentions in this operation however we have a better idea of what they managed to hit. Israel conducted heavy SEAD and DEAD missions striking this radar station located in the Hamadan province.

    Iranian Early warning Radar struck in the Hamadan providence. Shown several hours after it was struck when the sun came up. A majority of the strikes happened in the early morning.
    35.185878°N 48.271270°E

    Following the path back from Tehran over the radar site and past Iraq puts us in Deir ez-Zor,Syria where Israeli jets were filmed refueling from their Boeing 707 tanker jets.

    Reportedly shows a IDF fighter refueling above Deir ez-Zor, Syria Friday morning.

    At this point I’d like to include a statement put out by the IDF.

    “A short while ago, following the directive of the political echelon, the IDF launched a preemptive, precise, combined offensive based on high-quality intelligence to strike Iran’s nuclear program, and in response to the Iranian regime’s ongoing aggression against Israel. A short while, dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran.

    The public is requested to follow the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command, which will be updated as necessary, and act calmly and responsibly. The IDF and the relevant authorities are prepared for a wide range of scenarios in defense and offense that may be needed.

    For years, the Iranian regime has been waging a direct and indirect campaign of terror against the State of Israel, by funding and directing terrorist activities via its proxies across the Middle East, while advancing toward obtaining a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is at the head of the axis responsible for all terrorist attacks against the State of Israel since the beginning of the “Swords of Iron” War, including by arming and funding the Hamas terror organization which was responsible for the October 7th Massacre. During the “Swords of Iron” War, Iran even directly attacked Israel twice, firing hundreds of missiles toward the State of Israel.

    The Iranian regime has proclaimed that its objective is to destroy the State of Israel. Senior officials in the Iranian regime have publicly declared their intent to destroy Israel, and are operating to achieve this together with their proxies in the Middle East. Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the wider world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose objective is to destroy the State of Israel to obtain weapons of mass destruction.

    The IDF has conducted a process of preparations for a campaign on the frontline and on the home front. The resilience of Israel’s citizens will be an important factor of the campaign.

    The IDF is ready to continue to act as required. The State of Israel has the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past.

    The IDF is conducting an ongoing situational assessment and will update on any developments.”

    -Statement released to the people of Israel frim the IDF.

    It was around this point that AIs Senator Marco Rubio put out his statement. The most important part from that was that Israel had taken unilateral action and that the U.S. was not involved, but that the U.S. was advised that Israel viewed it as necessary for their self defense.

    Around 9:00 pm (Eastern Standard time) Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin put out a statement saying that Irans nuclear program had been attacked but that the IDF had also focused on targeting Irans nuclear scientist and ballistic missile program. That fit with videos we were already seeing showing strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile storage bases, showing probably the most secondary explosions I’ve ever seen at once as hundreds of ballistic missiles and other munitions cook off after the strike.

    Ballistic missile base in Piranshahr,.

    At around 9:30Pm (5:00AM in Iran) Iranian media announced that their enormous nuclear site at Natanz was struck overnight. Around this same time I was seeing videos coming in from the capital, Tehran. Israel has multitasked this operation, striking at Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corp, IRGC, leadership. Multiple videos and images showed penthouse and high level apartments that were struck with precision munitions, killing Hossein Salami Iran Revolutionary Guards chief, Hossein Salami, along with Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri chief of staff of the Iranian armed Forces. Both were killed along with others in the first wave of strikes.

    After this was announced Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said this,

    (Israel)…should anticipate a harsh punishment. The strong hand of the Islamic Republic will not let them go.” He added “ The Zionist regime with this crime has created a dark and painful fate for itself, and it will definitely receive it.”

    Thanks to Planet Labs we have some amazing satellite images of some of the strikes. The first set is from the Tabriz missile base.

    This one is the massive nuclear facility Natanz from last month. According to reports coming out of Iran this one is completely destroyed. I’m hoping to get some more images tomorrow.

    A couple unconfirmed things I’ve heard. It appears that the F-14 Tomcats, the only combat F-14s left in the world might have been targeted. Also have reports that Iran lost many of its remaining F-4 phantoms.

    This was a large strike and we’ve only scratched the surface here. I’ll have more as information is discovered.

    I would like to split Iran’s response into a separate article just for the sake of making it easier for people to read and also because I believe it is still ongoing as I write this. So consider this Part One.

  • India and Pakistan so far.

    By.Scott Jackson

    05/07/2025

    While Kashmir is rife with violence, this attack against tourist is against the unwritten rule between the militant groups and the local population who rely so heavily on the tourism industry.

    On Wednesday, India launched Operation Sindoor, utilizing fighter launched missiles to attack 9 targets in Pakistan and the Pakistani controlled region of Kashmir. The m strikes destroyed multiple locations used by terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), two of the largest Kashmir focused terror groups operating from Pakistan.

    The missile attacks were launched by India as retaliation for the April 22nd, 2025 attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead and injured a dozen more. The attack had been carried out on a tourist sightseeing destination in Kashmir and is one of the largest attacks on the region. The sightseers were ambushed on a path only accessible by foot or by horseback, in a meadow near a cliff, making escape during the attack unlikely. There were no car roads for miles.

    India claimed Pakistani goverment involvement had been discovered during the course of their investigation which Pakistan denies.

    Survivors tell of the horrors they witnessed that day, as gunmen opens fire from close range hitting one father in the head as his family watched.

    One survivor, Asavari Jagdale, told PTI that the gunmen came into the tent where they were hiding and accused them of being supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gunmen then killed all the male members of her family before her eyes.

    A local resident, Abdul Waheed told CNN that he jumped on his pony to help transport the wounded to areas where they could be transported by car. He even called others to help in this task.

    “I saw people crying, screaming, just lying in the aftermath of the attack. There were children, women, men, everyone,” Abdul said. “It was a massive trauma. I did not sleep all night.”

    That brings us to today. On Monday India launched a “Operation Sindoor“, a strike involving SLAM-ER (Storm Shadow) Cruise missiles and AASM HAMMR bombs being launched at targets believed to be associated with Pakistani terrorist.

    Map showing the locations of the strikes, most along the border.

    India launched strikes on 9 targets with a reported 24 strikes. In the course of these attacks Pakistan claims it responded with air defense and Chinese made fighters and shot down 4 Indian fighter jets. One confirmed DeAssault Rafale, although Pakistan claims three more Rafale’s along with a MIG-29 and an SU-30 were also shot down.

    Vertical stabilizer of the above Indian Air Force Rafale jet.

    Pakistan’s Air Force….” engaged with the Indian fighter jets in self-defense” and shot down five aircraft and a number of drones.

    Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s foreign minister and military spokesman

    Ishaq also claimed that Chinese-made J-10C fighters were responsible for the shoot down using the (also Chinese-made) PL-15E air-to-air missile.

    Pakistani J-10C
    A Pakistani PL-15E found in Hoshiarpur, India..

    Video footage alleging to show an Indian Rafale crashing outside Bathinda Air Force base was also released. While a plane was reported to have crashed there by credible sources we don’t yet know if it was another Rafale. Will verify if possible.

    Today (May 8th), has seen the continuation of violence as Pakistan responded to yesterday’s missile attack with a round of artillery and a drone attack stretching across several regions of India across much of the border region, as shown in the map below.

    An updated look at where attacks have occurred.

    Both the Pakistan and Indian Navy’s issues NOTMAR’s (Notice to Mariners) warning maritime traffic of simultaneous navel weapons firing.

    While this has escalated to slightly more than a border skirmish, it hasn’t yet spiraled out of control, however with both countries being nuclear powers it seems like all eyes are on India and Pakistan for the time being.

    More later. 

    Thank you for reading. I hope you get as much out of what I’m doing here as I get out of making these reports. If so I would invite you to join my Patreon. Doing that would help me more than I can describe. I’ve kept it as cheap as possible to become a member. It’s only a $1.00. Audio content very soon. 

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    -Scott
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