Russia yesterday announced it would test-fire its submarine-launched Bulava ballistic missile again later this month, ITAR-Tass reported (see GSN, Dec. 1).
"Another test of Bulava is due later this year; the trials will be completed in 2009," said Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov. There have been nine previous tests, most recently on Friday.
Ivanov said Russian defense contractors have begun mass-producing the nuclear-capable missile. "The funding runs according to schedule," he said (ITAR-Tass, Dec. 1).