The Russian Navy test-launched four intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) from a nuclear-powered submarine in the White Sea on Tuesday.
The Bulava missile, designed for Russia’s fleet of ballistic missile-carrying Borei-class nuclear submarines, is capable of delivering up to 10 nuclear warheads at a range of 8,000 kilometers. Russia has been paying ever greater attention to bolstering its nuclear deterrent in recent years as the United States works to deploy anti-ballistic missile defenses in Europe.
Four Bulavas reached their practice targets in the Far East after being launched from a submerged position in the White Sea, the Navy said Wednesday.
“It was the first-ever salvo fire from this type of submarine,” the Navy’s Northern Fleet said in an online statement, referring to the Borei-class Yury Dolgoruky, a nuclear-powered boat commissioned in 2014.
The Borei-class Yury Dolgoruky, part of Russia's nuclear modernization effort intended to revitalize a fleet of aging and generally neglected Soviet-built nuclear missile submarines, can reportedly carry up to 16 Bulavas.
The Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet said the latest test confirmed the combat readiness of the ICBMs and the submarines.
The Bulava development program has experienced problems in previous years, including failed launches in 2013 and 2016.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
