Russia's navy commander does not expect to abandon work on the nation's experimental Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile, even though more than more than half of the weapon's tests have ended in failure, ITAR-Tass reported yesterday (see GSN, Dec. 10).
“We shall continue (to work with Bulava)," Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said. "Just think, how can it be replaced with any other?”
The nuclear-capable Bulava is designed to carry as many as six independently targeted 150-kiloton warheads, though loading all six warheads would require removing the missile's late-flight systems for evading enemy missile defenses, according to ITAR-Tass (ITAR-Tass, Dec. 15).
Russia might suspend plans to update its submarine-based nuclear deterrent, a move that would freeze work set to begin next week on the nation's fourth next-generation Borei-class submarine, the newspaper Izvestia reported. Borei vessels are intended to carry the Bulava missile.
"Regrettably, I am not authorized to take decisions on this issue (the construction of the nuclear-powered cruiser). It is a matter for the navy and the Defense Ministry," said Nikolai Kalistratov, head of the firm handling work on the new ballistic-missile submarines, Interfax reported.
The Russian Defense Ministry and the nation's defense industry are both dodging accountability for shaping future plans for the next-generation missile and submarine, according to the the newspaper.
Kalistratov suggested establishing a national commission to examine problems Russia faces in upgrading its submarine-based arsenal (Interfax, Dec. 15).