Russia’s Bulava ICBM infographic
Graphic shows Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile and Borei-A class submarine.
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MILITARY

Russia’s Bulava nuclear-capable missile

By Duncan Mil

November 6, 2023 - Russia has reported successfully launching a nuclear-capable Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from its new generation Imperator Alexander III nuclear submarine.

“The new nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine Imperator Alexander III successfully launched a sea-based intercontinental ballistic missile Bulava from the White Sea,” the Russian defence ministry said.

The missile hit a target thousands of kilometres away on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East, the defence ministry added.

The Imperator Alexander III is the seventh of the Russian Project 955 Borei (Arctic Wind) class nuclear submarines and the fourth of the modernised Borei-A variant, according to Russian sources.

Borei-class boats carry 16 Bulava missiles. The 12-metre missile ranges about 8,000km (5,000 miles) and can carry up to six warheads.

On November 2, President Vladimir Putin signed a law withdrawing Russia’s ratification of the global Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 06/11/2023; STORY: Graphic News
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