Cold War Veterans Blog

Russia again fails new missile test launch

20 hours ago

MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian navy says an experimental sea-based ballistic missile has failed in yet another test launch, signaling serious trouble with a key component of the nation's nuclear might.

Navy spokesman Capt. Igor Dygalo said the Bulava missile "self-destroyed and exploded in the air" early Tuesday after a launch from a nuclear submarine beneath the White Sea in northwestern Russia.

Over the past two years, Bulava has failed in several launches and its deployment prospects are uncertain.

The Bulava is reportedly designed to have a maximum range of about 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) and carry six individually targeted nuclear warheads. Russian officials say the weapon can penetrate any prospective missile defenses.