October 11, 2004 :: Analysis
Viktor Litovkin, described as a military analyst with Ria Novosti, writes on the status of Russia’s newest ICBM, the SS-N-X-30, or Bulava (“Mace”). Litovkin notes the genesis of the Bulava in the 1990s, and the building of a new type of nuclear submarine to accommodate it. Future submarines will be armed with the Bulava, which Litovkin notes is, for all intents and purposes, now ready to go. The
recent underwater test of the missile on September 23 marks “a significant event for Russia’s Navy and military-industrial sector,” according to Litovkin.
Despite regular budget allotments, Litovkin notes that the Moscow Heat Engineering Institute developed the SLBM “in record time.” Financing for the program is said to have commenced in 1999.
While the details of the Bulava are secret, it is known to be a solid fuel propellant and contain several multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles for nucelar weapons. Litovkin also notes that it is likely capable of penetrating U.S. missile defenses, a capability which “is the Moscow Heat Engineering Institute’s trademark.”
Some 10 to 12 strategic nuclear submarines may carry the Bulava by 2012, with possibly 12 missiles per vessel. (Article)
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