Russia Successfully Test-Launches Intercontinental Ballistic Missile from Borei-class Submarine
Russia announced the successful test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying nuclear warheads, which was fired from one of its Borei-class submarines. The missile, known as Bulava, was launched from an underwater position in the White Sea off Russia’s northern coast and hit a target thousands of kilometers away on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East.
The submarine involved in the test launch, Emperor Alexander the Third, is part of Russia’s Borei-class fleet, known for their enhanced maneuverability and stealth capabilities. Each Borei-class submarine can carry up to 16 Bulava missiles.
Russia’s defense ministry stated, “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 Bulava missile measures 12 meters (39 ft) in length and is designed to be the backbone of Russia’s nuclear triad. It has a range of over 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) and can carry up to six nuclear warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
This test comes in the wake of Russian President Vladimir Putin signing the withdrawal of Russia’s ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty, arguing it aligns with the United States’ position. The move and Russia’s recent military actions, such as its invasion of Ukraine, have strained its relations with the US and the European Union. Putin’s willingness to escalate nuclear rhetoric has also raised concerns.
Despite tensions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed optimism about the potential for future contact between Russia and the US. He stated, “Putin has repeatedly stated that he is ready for any contacts.”
It is worth noting that the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty prohibits all nuclear explosions, including live tests of nuclear weapons. However, some key countries, including the US and China, have not ratified the treaty. Earlier this year, Russia also suspended its participation in the New START treaty, the last significant nuclear arms control treaty with the US, but pledged to uphold the treaty’s caps on nuclear weapons.
