Russia Plans ICBM Test Launch From New Submarine

Russia's new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine the "Yury Dolgoruky" at Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk (file photo)

Russian First Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandr Sukhorukov has said one of the country's new submarines will test launch one of Russia's newest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).

Sukhorukov said on August 8 that the launch would come from the "Aleksandr Nevsky" but not from the "Yuri Dolgoruky," the first two of the new Borei class submarine, capable of carrying 16 Bulava ICBMs.

The "Yuri Dolgoruky" is the lead vessel but Sukhorukov said "some defects were uncovered during trials" and launches from that submarine were postponed until repairs and modifications were made and new trials were conducted.

Sukhorukov did not say when the launch of Bulava ICBM would happen.

He also said Russian forces would be receiving new cruise missiles this year.

Based on reporting by ITAR-TASS and IFX Rus