Article Posted on : - Nov 29, 2011

Bulava test-launch. An Itar-Tass/www.atomic-energy.ru photo

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia has postponed the test-launch of its long-range Bulava ballistic missile which was scheduled for November 28.

The fourth and final test-firing of the nuclear-capable Bulava missile for this year was planned to be carried out from the Yury Dolgoruky submarine in the White Sea.

The test was supposed to be a salvo launch of two Bulava missiles and a crucial phase in testing before inducting the weapon in the Russian Navy.

"The salvo launch of the Bulava has been moved to a later date which has not been determined yet," a Defence Ministry source was quoted as saying by Ria Novosti.

The official cited unfavourable weather conditions in the White Sea as the cause of the postponement.

Another report in Itar-Tass said that the missile's test has been postponed until the summer of 2012.

"There had been 17 launches. The final test launch of the Bulava missile from the Yuri Dolgoruky strategic submarine has been postponed till approximately June 2012," a Defence Ministry source told the news agency.

Russia had successfully tested the Bulava on October 28 which was the third test-launch of the missile in 2011.

During the test, the 37 tonne inter-continental missile was fired from the Yury Dolgoruky submarine in the White Sea and hit its designated target 6,000 kilometres away.

The Bulava, having a range of over 8,000 kilometers, is capable of carrying up to 10 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warheads that can hit separate targets.

Russia is developing the strategic missile to equip its military with advanced defence capabilities. The three-stage missile is set to be deployed on Russian Navy's new Borey class nuclear submarines.