Russia has announced the successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads from one of its submarines.
This launch took place on Sunday, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the withdrawal of its ratification of the global nuclear test ban treaty. Moscow argued that this move was necessary to align with the United States.
“The new nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine cruiser Emperor Alexander the Third has successfully launched the Bulava sea-based intercontinental ballistic missile,” stated Russia’s defense ministry on Sunday.
The Bulava missile, designed to carry up to six nuclear warheads according to the Federation of American Scientists, was launched from an underwater position in the White Sea off Russia’s northern coast. It hit a target thousands of kilometers away on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East.
The Emperor Alexander the Third is one of Russia’s new Borei-class nuclear submarines, equipped with 16 Bulava missiles each. These submarines are more maneuverable and quieter than previous models.
The Russian navy currently has three Borei-class submarines in service, with one undergoing tests and three others under construction, as stated by the defense ministry.
Source from www.aljazeera.com