Russia: Russia has successfully test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that is capable of carrying nuclear warheads from one of its submarines.
The new launch comes just days after Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin signed the withdrawal of his ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty. According to Moscow, this move was necessary to bring its actions in line with those of the United States.
“The new nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine cruiser Emperor Alexander the Third has successfully launched the Bulava sea-based intercontinental ballistic missile,” Russia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The missile was launched from an underwater position in the White Sea off Russia’s northern coast and hit a target thousands of kilometres away on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East. According to the Federation of American Scientists, the missile is designed to carry as many as six nuclear warheads.
The Emperor Alexander the Third is one of Russia’s new Borei-class nuclear submarines that carry 16 Bulava missiles each and are more manoeuvrable and quieter than previous models.
The Russian navy currently has three Borei-class submarines in service; one more is finishing tests, and three others are under construction, as per the Defence Ministry.
“Firing a ballistic missile is the final element of state tests, after which a decision will be made to accept the cruiser into the Navy,” the Ministry added.
According to reports, the 12-metre-long (39-foot) Bulava missile was designed to be the backbone of Moscow’s nuclear triad and has a range of more than 8,000km (5,000 miles).
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