Russia successfully tests nuclear missile

Moscow, Sep 10 (IANS/EFE) The Russian Navy has successfully test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from one of its nuclear submarines, the defence ministry said Wednesday.

The Bulava-class SBLM (submarine-launched missile) was fired by the submarine Vladimir Monomakh from a position in the White Sea and hit its designated target at the Kura test range on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula, Efe quoted a ministry statement as saying.

The launch was part of a series of weapons and systems tests for the nuclear-powered vessel, defence ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said.

The Bulava missile carries up to 10 independently-targeted warheads, making it capable of outwitting any current defence system, including the American anti-missile shield, officials claimed.

Russian military experts say the intercontinental ballistic missiles of the Bulava and Topol series will enable the country to maintain nuclear parity with the US for at least the next half-century.

--IANS/EFE

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