Russia to Deploy Submarine-Launched Bulava Ballistic Missiles

Russia has integrated the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into its submarine fleet, a significant upgrade to its strategic nuclear arsenal.

The Bulava missile, designed to be launched from Borei-class submarines, has completed rigorous testing, including a successful test launch from a distance of 3,500 miles.

Yuri Solomonov, the missile's chief designer, confirmed the missile's adoption in a decree dated May 7, coinciding with President Vladimir Putin's commencement of a new six-year term as president.

According to the Missile Defense Project at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Bulava represents "a core component of Russia's future strategic nuclear force." Development of the missile began in the 1990s, with Solomonov also behind the Topol-M and Yars ICBMs.

The three-stage Bulava missile features solid fuel propellant in the first and second stages and a liquid fuel third stage for high maneuverability during warhead separation. Its inclined launch capability allows submarines to launch while in motion.

A recent CSIS assessment highlighted the Bulava's potential to deliver 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), each capable of striking different targets. The weapon can carry decoys, and its re-entry vehicles are designed for in-flight maneuverability and re-targeting to evade enemy defenses.

"This capability poses a significant challenge for missile defense systems, potentially overwhelming them with volume and trajectory complexity," CSIS notes.

Russia's Northern and Pacific Fleets operate seven Borei-class submarines, each armed with 16 Bulavas. Last November, the defense ministry reported a successful test launch of the Bulava from one of these submarines.

Launched from under the White Sea on the northwest coast of Russia, the test missile traveled thousands of miles over the Russian mainland to strike a designated target on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

"Firing a ballistic missile is the final element of state tests, after which a decision will be made to accept the cruiser into the Navy," a ministry statement said in November. With testing complete, the missiles are now considered operational.

The modernization of Russia's submarine-launched missile systems comes amid heightened tensions with the West. Putin has said that NATO intervention in Ukraine could escalate to a nuclear conflict.

In late April, Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov issued a stark warning to Washington after President Joe Biden signed a bill providing approximately $61 billion in additional aid to Ukraine. "America has chosen the path of war," Antonov said.

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