This is according to Reuters, citing two U.S. researchers and a Western intelligence source.Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California and Decker Eveleth of the Virginia-based research organization CNA independently analyzed Planet Labs satellite imagery. It happened after Russia warned maritime and civilian aviation operators on August 6 to avoid the Novaya Zemlya archipelago from August 9 to 12.The researchers noted increased activity at the Pankovo test site on the archipelago. Personnel, cargo containers, and equipment have been arriving since late July. Lewis explained that there is activity at the test site that includes both large-scale logistical support and movement near the actual missile launch location.Additionally, two Rosatom aircraft at the Rogachevo military airfield are reportedly collecting data on the test, along with at least five ships linked to previous Burevestnik trials, with a sixth vessel expected to arrive. According to Barents Observer, four ships anchored near Pankovo have moved to observation and support points north of the Murmansk Bay.Reuters confirmed the researchers’ findings through a Western security source. Lewis and Eveleth noted that preparations for the tests began before news of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska emerged. The missile’s development carries particular significance for Moscow following the January 2025 announcement by Trump of the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense system.In October 2023, Putin claimed a successful test of the Burevestnik missile, stating that Russia had nearly completed work on modern strategic weapons and had conducted the latest successful test of Burevestnik.Past Burevestnik tests have been linked to a 2019 explosion at a test site near Nenoksa in the Arkhangelsk region, which killed at least five people. Rosatom officials stated that the explosion involved a missile powered by a radioactive isotope energy source, without specifying the missile’s name.