Article Posted on : - Jul 14, 2009

The missile was launched from a nuclear-powered submarine. -- Image credit: Ria Novosti

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia has successfully test-fired the Sineva sea-based ballistic missile, a source in the Defense Ministry here has said.

"The launch was conducted on Monday from a Delta IV class strategic nuclear-powered submarine in service with Russia's Northern Fleet," Russian news agency Ria Novosti quoted the source as saying.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also confirmed the successful launch of the missile from a strategic submarine. However, he did not specify the type of missile or the name of the submarine from which it was launched.

"The target was hit and the pieces of the missile landed in the designated area," the President said at a meeting with Navy personnel in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi.

The third-generation RSM-54 Sineva (NATO designation SS-N-23 Skiff) entered services with the Russian Navy in July, 2007. The liquid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile can carry four to 10 nuclear warheads, depending on its modification, the report said.

Russia is planning to equip its Delta IV class submarines with at least 100 Sineva missiles.