Russia Tests Intercontinental Ballistic Missile from Nuclear Submarine

The Russian military announced on Sunday that they have successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile from a new nuclear submarine. This missile is designed to carry nuclear warheads.

This test comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West due to the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, President Vladimir Putin recently signed a bill withdrawing Russia’s ratification of a global nuclear test ban, citing the need for parity with the United States.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the Bulava missile was launched from the Imperator Alexander III strategic missile cruiser, which was in an underwater position in the White Sea. The missile successfully hit its target in the far-eastern region of Kamchatka. The exact date and time of the test launch were not disclosed.

The Imperator Alexander III is one of the new Borei-class nuclear submarines that can carry 16 Bulava missiles each. These submarines are intended to be a key component of Russia’s naval nuclear forces in the future. The Defense Ministry stated that the ballistic missile test is the final evaluation for the submarine, and a decision on its induction into the fleet will be made afterwards.

Currently, the Russian navy has three Borei-class submarines in service, with one more in the final stages of testing and three others under construction.