Russia Test-fires ICBM From Sub

[unhappycamper]

Russia Test-fires ICBM From Sub
December 01, 2008
Associated Press

MOSCOW - The Russian navy says that a new-generation Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile was test-fired Nov. 28 from a submerged submarine and hit its target - the second consecutive successful test of the troubled weapon.

Russian officials have hailed the Bulava as a key future component of the nation's nuclear forces, but several failed test-launches over the past two years have cast doubt on the missile.

The Bulava reportedly is designed to have a maximum range of about 6,200 miles and to carry six individually targeted nuclear warheads.

Navy spokesman Capt. Igor Dygalo said in a statement that a Bulava was launched on Friday from the nuclear submarine Dmitry Donskoi beneath the White Sea surface and hit its test targets on the Kamchatka Peninsula, some 4,000 miles to the east.

Also, Russian news agencies quoted the head of the country's Strategic Rocket Forces as saying the planned U.S. missile defense system in Europe and other perceived threats have prompted Moscow to work harder on missile development.


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