France Nosed Out Bulava Launch Date

18.10.2011 Coming two test launches of Russian submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava will be carried out by SSBN Yury Dolgoruky on Oct 20 and 22, reports 3P (Polemos, Pater, Panton) of French Institute of International Relations and Strategies (Insitut de Relations Internationales et Strategiques).

Russian defense ministry has not confirmed the information of the French source so far.

It is going to be 17th (third in 2011) test launch of SLBM Bulava. In Aug 2011 Russian Navy Main HQ announced the plans to hold salvo launch of Bulava missiles late in Oct. It was supposed to launch two missiles one by one from SSBN Yury Dolgoruky (Project 955 Borei).

Previous 16th test launch was carried out on Aug 27, 2011. The missile was tested for maximal flight range. As a result of the successful test, the missile covered 9,300 km. It was earlier reported about defense ministry's plans to conduct four or five Bulava launches in the current year; upon their results, it will be decided whether to put the missile in service. Also, the ministry prepares for commissioning of Bulava platform – SSBN Yury Dolgoruky.

R-30 Bulava is expected to become the core of maritime component of Russia's nuclear shield. It is planned to base Bulava missiles on Project 955/955A/955U Borei nuclear-powered submarines.

Ballistic missile Bulava is capable to hit targets at the range up to 8,000 km and carry 6-10 nuclear warheads with yield of 150 kilotons each.