Russia to test Bulava ballistic missile again

Moscow, July 26 (IANS) Russia will test its Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile again, Navy Commander Viktor Chirkov said Thursday.

"We are going to launch the Bulava this fall from the Alexander Nevsky nuclear submarine. If the launch fails, we will continue," Xinhua quoted Chirkov as saying.

The Bulava's carrier, the fourth-generation Alexander Nevsky, conducted its maiden exercise in June. The navy had put the Bulava into service following Nevsky's voyage.

The 170-metre-long submarine can carry 16 Bulava missiles.

Russian forces tested the missile 18 times prior to the decision to deploy it. Seven out of these tests failed.

The Bulava, Russia's most advanced missile, is expected to be the cornerstone of the country's nuclear arsenal.

It is capable of carrying 10 warheads and has a range of 8,000 km.

The commander said the navy will put on duty up to 15 new warships and submarines by the end of 2012.

He said the navy was acquiring nuclear strategic submarines armed with cruise missiles, diesel-powered submarines, destroyers and other warships.