SLBM Bulava Ready to Enter Service

25.06.2012 Technically, ballistic missile system Bulava is ready to be commissioned into Russian Navy, said its commander-in-chief Vice Admiral Viktor Chirkov on June 25 at the graduates honoring ceremony held in the Konstantinovsky Palace, St. Petersburg.

"At present, we're preparing legal documents required to put the missile in service", said the naval chief.

VADM Viktor Chirkov also pointed out that the lead submarine of Project 955 Borei K-535 Yury Dolgoruky would be commissioned before the Russian Navy Day which is to be celebrated on July 29 this year.

Submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava is designed as primary weapon for Borei-class submarines. As was earlier reported, Bulava was supposed to join Russian Navy in the fall of 2012.

Missiles of this type carry up to 10 independently targetable nuclear reentry vehicles capable to overcome missile defense more effectively. Operation radius of SLBM Bulava is 8,000 km.