Article Posted on : - Nov 29, 2010

The first Borey class nuclear submarine, Yury Dolgoruky, could test launch the next Bulava missile. A file photo

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is planning to test its Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) system for a third time this year in the second half of next month.

Yury Dolgoruky, the first Borey class strategic nuclear-powered submarine, is expected to be the launch platform for the ballistic missile, a media report said quoting a source from the Russian Government commission which has reviewed the missile's two successful test-launches conducted this year.

“The work to study the results of the missile's latest two launches came to an end on Saturday.

“It was decided that the third test launch will be made in the second half of December. The exact date of the launch will depend on weather conditions in the White Sea, from which the missile is planned to be fired,” the source was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti news agency.

The commission, which is currently deciding on the submarine to launch the Bulava missile, will do so by December 10, the source said.

“With a great degree of certainty, we can say that a Bulava missile will be test launched from the Borey-class nuclear-powered undersea cruiser Yury Dolgoruky, which is preparing for tests. A final decision will be made in the first ten days of December,” the source added.

The last two successful launches of the missile were conducted in October this year from the Navy’s Dmitry Donskoy nuclear submarine in the White Sea.

The Bulava missile, with a range of over 8,000 kilometers, is capable of carrying up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle warheads. It is being developed to equip the Russian military with advanced defence capabilities.