Bulava tests to be continued mid-June in the White Sea

16.05.2011 Next test launch of Russia's newest submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava is scheduled in mid-June in the White Sea, reported Friday RIA Novosti referring to a source in defense ministry.

"Date of the next test of SLBM Bulava has been already set. It will be conducted in June 15-17. As is expected, the launch will be performed by SSBN Dmitry Donskoy, although new submarine Yury Dolgoruky is also ready for tests", said the interviewee.

He said that test launches by the missile's standard carrier – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky (Project 955) – would start after two successful launches made by Dmitry Donskoy (Project 941U).

As was reported earlier, all Bulava launches in 2011 will be conducted not by Dmitry Donskoy but Yury Dolgoruky which can also be commissioned in 2011.

Ballistic missile Bulava is to become the core of Russia's maritime strategic nuclear force; new Bulava-carrying submarines have been already laid down.

Fourteen test launches have been already made, seven of them were faulty. According to plans, other four of five tests will be held in 2011. Once all of them are effective, SLBM Bulava can be commissioned into Russian Navy in the current year.