Vladimir Putin has a broad arsenal of new weapons that Nato may struggle to challenge, according to a report cited in German media.

News site Die Welt referenced a ‘confidential Nato document’ which lays bare the difficulties facing the alliance as Russia ramps up its military capabilities.

Among the weapons prompting concern is the Burevestnik missile – nicknamed the ‘Flying Chernobyl’ – which Putin claimed to have successfully tested last month.

Speaking to Metro at the time, John Erath of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation dismissed the Russian leader’s announcement as a probable ‘propaganda ploy’.

But the secret document reportedly shows Nato is taking it seriously, claiming its existing military challenges ‘will be exacerbated by the cruise missile’s extreme range and maneuverability’.

Another alleged cause for concern is the Oreshnik missile, a hypersonic ballistic weapon which was unleashed on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro a year ago.

Its range, according to Russian sources, was 3,100 miles – which would allow the Kremlin to target British naval bases and even the west coast of the United States.

The missile’s warhead can also be equipped with a number of different munitions, which could include nuclear technology.

According to Die Welt, Nato’s secret report admits the ‘ambiguity of the warheads poses challenges’.

The newspaper says the document also contains a warning about Nato’s ‘shortage of anti-submarine torpedoes’ to combat Russia’s Poseiden-class submarines.

It is expected that the vessels, which could also possess an extreme range, will be operational in five years’ time.

There was more positive news earlier this month, when it was reported that Putin’s ‘Triumf’ air defence system was blown to pieces after being struck by drones.

The launcher, worth up to £960 million, appeared to be destroyed around the same time as a large ammunition depot near the village of Udachne, outside Simferopol.

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