Russia says it test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile from a new nuclear submarine
The report comes as tensions are soaring between Russia and the West over the fighting in Ukraine. Adding to those tensions, President Vladimir Putin last week signed a bill revoking Russia’s ratification of a global nuclear test ban in a move that Moscow said was needed to establish parity with the United States.
Ukraine hits Russian shipyard in Crimea port, damages ship
Ukraine hits Russian shipyard in Crimea port, damages ship
The Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement that the Imperator Alexander III strategic missile cruiser fired the Bulava missile from an underwater position in Russia’s northern White Sea, and hit a target in the far-eastern region of Kamchatka. It was not immediately clear from the statement when the test launch took place.
The Imperator Alexander III is one of the new Borei-class nuclear submarines that carry 16 Bulava missiles each and are intended to serve as the core naval component of the nation’s nuclear forces in the coming decades. According to the defence ministry, launching a ballistic missile is the final test for the vessel, after which a decision should be made on its induction into the fleet.
The Russian navy currently has three Borei-class submarines in service, one more is finishing tests and three others are under construction, the defence ministry said.