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Russia test fires new-generation strategic missile
2008-09-18
MOSCOW - A Russian submarine on Thursday test-fired a Bulava strategic multiple warhead missile designed to overcome missile defences, news agencies reported, citing the defence ministry. "At 7.05 pm (1505 GMT) the test warheads hit their targets near the Kura testing site" on the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia's far east, a defence ministry official said, quoted by state news agency RIA Novosti. "It is possible to conclude that the launch and flight of the rocket went according to plan," the official said. The test comes amid Russian anger at US plans to locate a powerful missile-tracking radar in the Czech Republic as well interceptor missiles in Poland to combat what Washington calls threats to global security. Bulava missiles, which have a range of 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) and can be equipped with up to 10 individually targeted nuclear warheads, have been touted for their ability to pierce any potential missile shield. According to the Russian press, Moscow first tested a Bulava in September 2005 and conducted a first successful test in December of that year. The Bulava is the sea-based version of the Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile, and is designed to be fired from Moscow's new Borei class of submarines.
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