Russia Successfully Tests Launch of Bulava Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)

Not long after the failure of the United States in the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test on November 1 2023 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Russia also did not want to be outmatched in the intercontinental ballistic missile test. 

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On November 5 2023, taking place in the White Sea, off the northern coast of Russia, the Russian Navy with its newest nuclear-powered submarine Imperator Alexander III (Borei class), successfully tested the ICBM Bulava.

Reuters.com quoted an official statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, saying that the test launch of an ICBM missile was successful. Launched from beneath the surface of the water, the Bulava managed to reach its target thousands of kilometers away on the Kamchatka Peninsula, in Russia's far east.

The Bulava is a Russian nuclear triad that is predicted to carry up to six nuclear warheads. RSM-56 Bulava (NATO code SS-NX-30/SS-N-32) is a ballistic missile of the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) type. 

The Bulava is a new type of weapon, designed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology in 2013, the Bulava was only officially put into service by the Russian Navy for the Borei class submarines in 2018.

The Bulava, produced by the Votkinsk Plant State Production Association, has a range of around 8,300 kilometers, allowing it to hit targets in various locations with high accuracy. The launch speed can reach more than Mach 20 and the missile's weight is estimated at around 36 tons or more, depending on the variant and payload carried by the missile.

The development of the Bulava missile experienced a number of difficult technical and experimental challenges during the initial development stages. However, after a number of modifications and trials, this system has experienced improvements in performance and credibility. The Bulava is used by the Russian Navy on its Borei class submarines, which include the Borei and Borei-A class submarines.

Russia's new strategic nuclear submarine, the Imperator Alexander III, successfully tested a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile, the defense ministry said https://t.co/iXYYEPXnDW pic.twitter.com/1blQtEKNFJ

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 5, 2023

Bulava is 11.5 meters long (without container) and 12.1 meters (with container). The missile's diameter reaches 2 meters and can carry a payload of 1,150 kg in the form of a 6-10 × 100-150 kt MIRV (Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle).

Imperator Alexander III is the newest Borei class owned by the Russian Navy. The first keel of this submarine was laid on December 18 2015, and the submarine was launched on December 29 2022, currently the Imperator Alexander III is still in acceptance test status. Later, Imperator Alexander III will be placed in the Russian Pacific Fleet.

Having a length of 170 meters and a width of 13.5 meters, the dimensions of the Borei class are almost similar to the US nuclear submarine Ohio class. The weight when on the surface is 14,720 tons and the weight when submerged reaches 24,000 tons. Surface speed is 15 knots and diving speed is 29 knots.

Manned by 107 personnel, the Borei class is capable of diving to a depth of 400 meters. For weapons supplies, in one sail, the Borei class can launch 16 Bulava missiles. Then there are six 533 mm caliber torpedo launcher tubes on the front. 

The Borei class can also carry 6x external Special Purpose External Tubes (SPETS) REPS-324 Shlagbaum anti-torpedo defense system of 533 mm caliber and RPK-2 Viyuga anti-ship missiles.

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Of the 14 units to be built, currently six Borei class units have been officially operated by the Russian Navy, and there will be one more unit after the Imperator Alexander III is officially commissioned by the Pacific Fleet. Meanwhile, three Borei class units are currently under construction.