Article Posted on : - Mar 19, 2010

Test launch of Bulava missile. A File photo

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia plans to carry out at least four test launches of the Bulava ballistic missile by June end, a media report said.

"Two Bulava launches will be carried out from the Dmitry Donskoy nuclear submarine, followed by two launches from the Yury Dolgoruky nuclear sub," RIA Novosti quoted a senior Navy official as saying.

"The second test on the Yury Dolgoruky will be a salvo launch," he said.

The Bulava-M (SS-NX-30) ICBM carries up to 10 nuclear warheads and has a range of 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles). The three-stage ballistic missile is designed for deployment on Borey class Project 955 nuclear-powered submarines.

The future development of Bulava has been questioned by some lawmakers and defence industry officials following a series of test failures. Only five of 12 Bulava test launches from the Dmitry Donskoy sub have been officially reported as being successful, the report said.