Bulava Tests Postponed Due to Software Glitches

Software glitches in the automated launch control system on board the Borey class strategic submarines has caused a new delay in scheduled tests of the Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said.

“There are technical problems involving software in the automated launch control system, and we are trying to fix them,” Serdyukov told reporters on Friday.

The minister expressed hope that the next test-launch of the Bulava missile from Russia’s second Borey class submarine, the Alexander Nevsky, could be carried out before the end of the year.

All previous test launches were conducted from the Typhoon class Dmitry Donskoy submarine and the first Borey class submarine, the Yuri Dolgoruky.

The Bulava (SS-NX-30) SLBM, developed by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (since 1998), carries up to 10 MIRV warheads and has a range of over 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles). The three-stage ballistic missile is designed for deployment on Borey class nuclear submarines.

Despite several previous failures, officially blamed on manufacturing faults, the Russian military has insisted that there is no alternative to the Bulava.

Serdyukov also admitted on Friday that the handover of the Yury Dolgoruky submarine to the Russian Navy by the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) has been delayed again, this time indefinitely, due to a number of technical flaws.

“The USC has so far failed to deliver the Yury Dolgoruky submarine,” the minister said.

“I am not sure when they will fix all the problems [with the sub] – they are still not able to get it done,” Serdyukov added.

The Borey class is set to become the mainstay of the Russian Navy's strategic nuclear deterrent fleet, replacing the ageing Project 941 (NATO Typhoon class) and Project 667 (Delta-3 and Delta-4 class) boats.

Russia to Lay Down Fourth Borei Class Sub July 30

Borei class (Project 955A) ballistic missile submarine

Russia's fourth Borei class (Project 955A) ballistic missile submarine will be officially laid down at a ceremony on July 30, Russian Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Viktor Chirkov said on Thursday.

The Borei class is set to become the mainstay of the Russian Navy's strategic nuclear deterrent fleet, replacing the ageing Project 941 (NATO Typhoon class) and Project 667 class (Delta-3 and Delta-4) boats.

"The official ceremony for laying down the Borei-class boat, named Knyaz Vladimir, will be held on Monday July 30," Chirkov said.

Three other Borei class boats are at various stages of development at the Sevmash shipyard on the Kola peninsula. Yury Dolgoruky is currently undergoing sea trials, whilst Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh are under construction.

The Borei class will be armed with the Bulava ballistic missile, which is also in the final stage of development and due to enter service on Yury Dolgoruky later this year.