Russia test launches intercontinental ballistic missile from new nuclear submarine

Russia on Sunday claimed it successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to carry nuclear warheads from its nuclear-powered submarine Imperator Alexander III.

The test comes amid soaring tensions between Russia and the West over Vladimir Putin's 20-month-long invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow passed a law last week withdrawing its ratification of the global treaty banning nuclear weapons deal – a move severely criticised by Washington.

“Firing a ballistic missile is the final element of state tests, after which a decision will be made to accept the cruiser into the navy,” the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

The submarine fired the Bulava missile from an underwater position in Russia’s northern White Sea and hit a target in the far-eastern region of the Kamchatka peninsula, the ministry said without confirming when the test was conducted.

The 12-metre-long Bulava missile has an estimated range of around 8,000km and can carry up to six nuclear warheads.

The Imperator Alexander III is one of the new Borei-class nuclear submarines that carry 16 Bulava missiles each and are intended to serve as the core naval component of the nation’s nuclear forces. It also has modern torpedo weapons, the ministry said.

Mr Putin took part in a ceremony in December setting the Imperator Alexander III afloat, according to state news agency TASS.

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