Global Security Newswire

Russia plans late next month to conduct a new test launch of its experimental Bulava submarine-based ballistic missile, Interfax reported yesterday (see GSN, June 15).

The Bulava is designed to deliver as many as 10 nuclear warheads as far as 5,000 miles. The weapon has failed in seven of 12 flight tests to date, most recently in December, according to official figures. However, Russia's armed forces have continued defending the weapon as an irreplaceable component of the country's future nuclear deterrent.

"The commission investigating the failed launch of a Bulava has completed its investigation and recommended continuing the missile's tests. The next test-fire of the Bulava from the Dmitry Donskoy nuclear submarine in the White Sea is planned for the end of August," a Russian navy insider said.

Russia intends to conduct three such tests of the weapon in 2010, the source said, adding that the new Borei-class ballistic missile submarine Yuri Dolgoruky would carry out one of the launches.

"There is no alternative to arming the new Project 955 Borei missile cruisers with the Bulava missile. Its commissioning has been somewhat delayed, but in any case, the tests will be completed successfully and the missile will be adopted for service. There are no insurmountable obstacles to this," the source added.

Russia's Sevmash shipyard is constructing several Borei-class submarines slated to carry the new missile: the Alexander Nevsky, the Vladimir Monomakh and the Yuri Dolgoruky, Interfax reported. Each vessel could be armed with up to 12 solid-fuel ballistic missiles, according to Interfax (Interfax, July 15).