Russia has reported the successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying nuclear warheads from one of its submarines. The missile, named Bulava, was launched from the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine cruiser “Emperor Alexander the Third” in the White Sea off Russia’s northern coast. It hit a target thousands of kilometers away on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East. The submarine is one of Russia’s new Borei-class nuclear submarines that carry 16 Bulava missiles each.
The Borei-class submarines are intended to be the core naval component of Russia’s nuclear forces. These submarines are designed to be more maneuverable and quieter than their predecessors. Currently, the Russian navy has three Borei-class submarines in service, one is undergoing tests, and three others are under construction. The successful missile launch is a crucial element of state tests to determine whether the cruiser is ready to be accepted into the Navy.
The Bulava missile, which can carry multiple nuclear warheads, was designed to be the backbone of Russia’s nuclear triad. It has a range of more than 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles). This test comes just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the withdrawal of Russia’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a global treaty that outlaws all nuclear explosions, including live tests of nuclear weapons.
The move has been justified by Moscow as necessary to align with the United States’ stance. Russia’s escalation of military activities and nuclear rhetoric, along with its invasion of Ukraine, has seriously strained its relations with the US and the European Union. Both have expressed concerns over Russia’s aggressive stance and nuclear ambitions. Putin recently mentioned the possibility of resuming nuclear testing.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated in an interview that relations with the US are currently at or below zero. However, he added that both Russia and the US would have to resume contact at some point, and Putin has expressed his readiness for such contact. It’s worth noting that the international community remains concerned about the increasing nuclear posturing by various nations, especially as key countries like the US and China have never ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
Earlier this year, Russia suspended its participation in the New START treaty, the last major nuclear arms control agreement between Russia and the United States. However, Russia has stated that it would continue to adhere to the treaty’s limitations on nuclear weapons. This signals that while Russia is willing to withdraw from certain international agreements, it is still committed to some level of nuclear arms control.
The successful Bulava missile test emphasizes Russia’s ongoing investment in its nuclear capabilities and the continued development of its military technologies, despite growing international concerns and tensions with the US and EU. It highlights the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts to address these concerns and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict. The international community must remain vigilant and committed to nuclear disarmament and arms control in an increasingly complex and challenging geopolitical landscape.
Read Now :U.S., South Korea, and Japan Form Consultative Group to Counter North Korean Cyber Activities
