
Russia’s new nuclear-powered submarine Imperator Alexander III test launches the Bulava ballistic missile from the White Sea, in this screengrab taken from a video released on Sunday.
17:01 JST, November 5, 2023
Russia’s new nuclear-powered submarine Imperator Alexander III carried out a successful test launch of the Bulava ballistic missile, designed to carry nuclear warheads, the Russian defense ministry said on Sunday.
“Firing a ballistic missile is the final element of state tests, after which a decision will be made to accept the cruiser into the Navy,” the defense ministry said in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.
President Vladimir Putin has been pushing for Russia to maintain its nuclear deterrent to counter what he calls growing security threats, as ties between Moscow and the West have hit new lows over the war Russia launched in Ukraine in 2022.
The intercontinental missile, launched from an underwater position in the White Sea off Russia’s northern coast, hit a target thousands of kilometers away on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East, it said.
The ministry did not say when the test occurred.
The Borei class strategic-missile cruiser is equipped with 16 Bulava missiles and modern torpedo weapons, it said.
Putin took part in a ceremony in December setting the Imperator Alexander III afloat, TASS state news agency said.
The navy has three nuclear-powered submarines of the Borei class in service — one is completing tests and three more are under construction, the defence ministry said.
The 12-metre-long Bulava missile, which has an estimated range of around 8,000 kilometers and can carry up to six nuclear warheads, has become the cornerstone in the naval part of Russia’s nuclear triad.
"News Services" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average Ends at over 11-Month High as US Stocks Rally Boosts Risk Appetite (UPDATE 1)
-
North Korea Fired Multiple-launch Rockets from Near Pyongyang, South Korea Says
-
Trump to Put 25% Tariffs on Japan and South Korea, New Import Taxes on 12 Other Nations
-
The Suspension of Thailand’s Prime Minister over a Leaked Phone Call Stirs Familiar Turmoil
-
South Korea, Japan and US Conduct Air Drill as Defence Chiefs Meet
JN ACCESS RANKING
-
5-Kilogram Bag of Rice Price Falls Below ¥4,000: 1st Time in 4 Months
-
Japan’s Agriculture Ministry Starts Survey of Rice Farmers Across Japan on Production Outlook
-
Japan’s Core Inflation Hits 2-year High, Keeps Rate-Hike Bets Alive
-
Japan to Collaborate with 3 European Countries on Infrastructure Development; Will Work With Romania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic to Build Railroads, Energy Systems
-
Typhoon Nari Approaching Japan’s Kanto Region; Heavy Rain, Strong Wind Expected on Monday