Bulava missile launched from Barents Sea by Russia
(Video of Bulava missile launch / Russian Defence Ministry)
Russia’s strategic nuclear-powered submarine “Yury Dolgoruky” on Wednesday test-launched a Bulava ballistic missile from the Barents Sea.
Yesterday’s launch from the Barents Sea was special in two ways, according to the Ministry of Defense. Firstly, this was the first operational test launch of Bulava in line with the program of combat training. All previous launches were part of development testing of the new weapon. Secondly, this was the first time a Borey submarine had a full set of missiles on board when the launch was conducted.
“Yury Dolgoruky” can carry 16 Bulava missiles, which each can carry ten nuclear warheads. The vessel was taken into service in the Northern Fleet in January 2013.
The Launch, which was conducted from submerged position in the Barents Sea, was successful, and the missile hit its target on the Kura test site on Kamchatka.
The Ministry of Defense has published a video from Wednesday’s launch.
The launch also gave Russia an opportunity to test the country’s early warning system, Deputy Minister of Defense Yury Borisov says to RIA Novosti.
The same day Russia held a large-scale military air operation with strategic bombers flying close to Norwegian air space.
Last time Russia conducted a test launch of the new missile, was in September, when another Borey class submarine, “Vladimir Monomakh” test-launched its first missile from the White Sea.
“Yury Dolgoruky” was the first of a total of eight Borey class submarines that Russia plans to build by 2020.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Feature Interview: Will Russia’s actions in Ukraine affect relations in the Arctic Council?, Eye on the Arctic
Finland: Finland wouldn’t organise a submarine hunt “farce,” says defence minister, Yle News
Russia: Putin ensures Arctic militarization will not harm polar bears, Barents Observer
Sweden: Report calls for a study on Sweden joining NATO, Radio Sweden
United States: Pentagon: Climate change is national security risk, Barents Observer
