Inquiry board arrived at conclusions as for Bulava faults

25.05.2010 Inquiry board investigating latest faulty launch of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava has drawn conclusions which are currently "on their way to the government", said Tuesday a top-ranking source in the Military Industrial Committee.

In prospect, Bulava is expected to become a basis of maritime strategic nuclear forces; new submarines designed for this missile have been already laid down. However, only 5 out of 12 test launches were successful. The latest launch of Bulava was carried out on Dec 9, 2009 and also failed. Date of further tests has been postponed several times; previously, it was said that the subsequent launch would be executed late June. Nevertheless, Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov said last week to RIA Novosti that the next tests would be held not sooner than Nov 2010.

The source specified that the board should have prepared inquiry results till May 25.

"Conclusions are ready and currently on their way to the government", he said.

Reasons of Bulava's latest failure were not discussed at the Military Industrial Committee session held on May 24, added the source.