| Country: |
Russian Federation |
| Alternate Name: |
Bulava |
| Class: |
SLBM |
| Basing: |
Submarine launched |
| Length: |
12.1 m |
| Diameter: |
2.0 m |
| Launch Weight: |
36800 kg |
| Warhead: |
4 to 6 MIRV |
| Propulsion: |
3-stage solid |
| Range: |
8300 km |
| Status: |
Development |
Details
Russian Designation: Bulava
The Russian SS-NX-30, or Bulava, is an intercontinental-range, submarine launched, solid propellant ballistic missile. It is a submarine launched version of the SS-27, which represents the pinnacle of ballistic missile technology and is currently under development. The SS-27 was developed shortly after the fall of the Soviet Union and is the first completely Russian missile design.
Yuriy Solomonov, director of the Moscow Institute of Heat Technology and designer-general of the Topol family of missiles, has stated that the SS-27 will be the foundation of the Russian strategic nuclear arsenal by 2015. In the same way, the SS-NX-30 will doubtlessly be the foundation of the submarine-launched ballistic missile force.
Current Russian accounts often portrary the SS-27 and the SS-NX-30 as being invulnerable to modern anti-ballistic missile defenses. This may be true of the sort of ground-based, midcourse, kinetic-kill interceptors such as those currently being deployed in Alaska and Hawaii, but it would be an exaggeration to say that ballistic missiles are invulnerable to interception during their boost phase.
The SS-27 missile is said to be capable of making evasive maneuvers during its flight and as it approaches the target, enabling it to evade terminal phase interceptors. It almost certainly also carries midcourse-deployable countermeasures and decoys to increase the chances of its success. The warhead has also been reported as being shielded against radiation, electromagnetic interference and physical disturbance. Previous missiles could be disabled by detonating a nuclear warhead within ten kilometers (6 miles); shielding could require a closer range. However, the SS-27 is designed to be able to withstand nuclear blasts as close as 500 meters. While the boost phase remains the most vulnerable time for the SS-27, it is also the case that land-based boost phase interceptors would have little chance of reaching the missile in time without being based on Russian territory. Space-based boost phase interception remains the best alternative. The SS-27 is also said to be designed to be resistant to attack by a space-based laser.
The SS-27 can strike any target within the continental United States and the placement of SS-NX-30 missiles would enable worldwide deployment. The placement of such advanced missiles on modern submarines would make it nearly impossible to successfully prevent a missile launch, while current ABM technology is insufficient to prevent its successful impact. As a solid propellant design, it can be maintained on alert for prolonged periods of time and can launch within minutes of being given the order. Its confirmed single 550 kT warhead is sufficient for the depopulation of cities, which combined with its survivability, makes it an ideal retaliatory weapon. The SS-27 and the SS-NX-30 enables Russia to guarantee a successful nuclear response.
The SS-27 and the SS-NX-30 also have considerable utility as a first strike weapon. A successful first strike hinges upon the destruction of the enemy nuclear force, and these missiles should be capable of this task. Though the reported accuracy is insufficient for this, current guidance technology could easily be used to develop this capacity. The accuracy of 350 m CEP reported is strangely low given previous US and Russian missile designs with considerably higher accuracy. With a higher accuracy, the single warhead load would be easily sufficient to destroy a missile silo, but the placement of Multiple Independent Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) would allow for the destruction of entire missile groups. The SS-27 design is easily compatible for MIRVs, though it likely must sacrifice some of its ability to penetrate ABM defense systems. Solomonov has stated openly that the TEL launched SS-27 will carry four to six warheads along with decoys, which implies the same capability for the submarine-launched version.
The SS-NX-30 is identical to the SS-27 except for a slight decrease in range resulting from the conversion for submarine launch. It has a range of 10,000 km (6,214 miles) and is reported to be equipped with a 550 kT yield nuclear warheads. It is reported that up to six MIRVs can be placed at the cost of removing warhead shielding and decoys, reducing its ability to penetrate ABM defenses. It uses a Post-Boost Vehicle (PBV) system to deploy its warhead(s) using a digital inertial navigation system with a GLOSNASS (equivalent to Global Position Satellite) receiver. This achieves a reported accuracy of 350 m CEP, but this accuracy is lower than is reasonable to believe, given modern guidance systems and previous US and Russian missiles. The SS-27 has a launch weight of 47,200 kg with a length of 21.9 m and a maximum width of 1.9 m. It uses a three-stage solid propellant engine.
The development of the SS-27 began in the late 1980s, though it was redesigned in 1992 as the first totally Russian designed and built missile. The development of the SS-NX-30, almost identical to the SS-27, was first reported in 2001. The SS-NX-30 is currently under development and is expected to enter test launches upon a converted type 941 Akula (‘Typhoon’) class nuclear submarine. The Bulava will be fitted aboard the ‘Borey’ class nuclear submarines, the first of which is expected to be commissioned in 2006. The first submerged test launch was made in December 2005, up to eight tests are planned between 2005 and 2008. The first operational missiles are expected in 2008.
There is little risk of proliferation of SS-NX-30 technology by the Russians. Despite possible issues with the SS-27, few nations have missile submarines capable to deploying SS-NX-30 missiles. In addition, the spread of the technology would undermine the effectiveness of Russian ABM defenses and leave Russia vulnerable. However, there is the possibility for the technology to be stolen by China, the only other nation that might have the capability and need to integrate it.(1)
Footnotes
- Duncan Lennox, Jane’s Strategic Weapons Systems 46 (Surrey: Jane’s Information Group, January 2007), 166-167.
Bulava Missile Development Continues
March 3, 2008 :: RussianForces.org :: News
Pavel Podvig of RussianForces.org reports that during the meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission (VPK) during the last week in February, the commission agreed to continue the Bulava missile defense program. However, neither the Bulava (SS-NX-30) missile nor the Yuri Dolgorukiy "Project 955" submarine will be deployed this year, as previously expected by Yuri Solomonov. The year 2012 may be the newest date for the deployment of the Bulava. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Russia
» Missile details: SS-NX-30
Russia Test Fires SLBMs from North Pole, Pacific
September 11, 2006 :: Itar-Tass :: News
On Saturday, September 9, Russia successfully test fired a SS-N-23 (R-29RM) submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from a K-84 nuclear-powered submarine deployed under ice at the North Pole. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, all three warheads hit their targets at a testing range in the Arkhangesk region on the Barents Sea. The test marked the first time in 11 years that Russia test-fired a submarine-borne missile from underwater at the North Pole. The SS-N-23 has a range of 8,300 km and can carry up to four multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) warheads each equipped with a 100 kiloton nuclear yield.
Ivanov added that another submarine, the K-433 Sv. Georgiy Pobedonosets deployed in the Pacific Ocean, test-fired a SS-N-18 (R-29R) SLBM on Sunday, September 10, and that two of its test warheads hit the targeted range. The SS-N-18 has a range of 6,500 km and can carry 7 to 10 MIRV warheads each with a 100 kiloton nuclear yield, although it is unclear how many warheads the test missile carried. Ivanov referred to the tests as part of “serious exercises of the sea-based strategic nuclear forces.” (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Russia, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: SS-NX-30, SS-X-14
Russia Tests RSM-50 (SS-N-18) SLBM; Second Test in Four Days
September 30, 2005 :: Itar-Tass :: News
Russia today conducted a test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile from the St. George the Victorious nuclear submarine. The missile was launched from the Sea of Okhotsk and the warheads traveled to their targets at the Chizh range near the White Sea.
The Sea of Ohtotsk is in the Pacific Ocean, near the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. The targets are said to have traveled to cape Kanin Nos, on the island of Kanin. The White Sea is in the far north, almost directly due north of Moscow.
“The RSM-50 submarine-based missile was launched from submerged position from a depth of about 30 meters,” a Defense Ministry source is quoted by Itar Tass as saying, adding that “This is the first launch of an inter-continental ballistic missile by Russia’s Pacific Fleet this year. The previous missile launch from the same submarine was carried out on November 2, 2004.”
The St. George is identified by the Moscow News as a Delta-III-class submarine equipped to carry 16 R-29R nuclear-tipped missiles. The missile fired today, however, was identified as an RS-50, both of which designations refer to versions of the SS-N-18 SLBM.
The test follows upon the September 27 test of Russia’s new submarine-launched SS-NX-30, or Bulava, missile. (Article, Link)
» Sep. 30, 2005: Moscow News on SLBM launch
» Itar Tass on missile test
» More stories on: Russia, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: SS-N-20, SS-N-23, SS-NX-30
Russia to Deploy S-400 Missile Defenses
January 28, 2005 :: Itar-Tass :: News
Russian news agencies have widely reported that Russia will begun to upgrade its missile defenses in 2005, as expected, replacing older systems with the newer and widely touted S-400 interceptors. Interfax and Itar-Tass quoted deputy defense minister Belousov as saying that the military would purchase six S-400 systems this year, but did not specify the price, or where they would be deployed. Russia has previously indicated that the S-400 may be offered for export.
RIA Novosti notes that, in addition, Russia’s navy will add two new strategic nuclear submarines, the Yury Dolgoruky and the Dmitry Donskoy, each armed with Russia’s most advanced submarine launched ballistic missile, the Bulava SS-N-30. Belousov added that, “Allegations that all our technology is outdated do not hold water. The performance of our technology is not inferior to that in any other industrialized country.” Other systems to be added in 2005 include a battalion of new T-90 tanks, two TU-160 strategic bombers, and a host of other systems. (Article, Link)
» Defense News description of Russia’s 2005 acquisitions
» RIA Novosti on Belousov report
» More stories on: Russia, Russian Missile Defenses
» Missile details: SS-NX-30
» Missile system details for: S-400 (SA-20 Triumf)
Putin: Russia to Develop New Strategic Missile
November 17, 2004 :: AP :: News
President Vladimir Putin noted today, in a speech to the Russian military leadership, that Russia has been developing a new form of strategic weapon. Putin has affirmed Russia’s intention to do so on a number of occasions. Previous reports have suggested that the new weapon may consist of a hypersonic cruise missile or a hypersonic warhead for an existing missile, either of which could evade U.S. ballistic missile defenses. The United States yesterday tested the X-43 hypersonic system, reaching a new speed record of ten times the speed of sound.
Although Putin’s speech today added few details, it is nevertheless notable. Putin said that Russia “is not only conducting research and successfully testing new nuclear-missile systems. I am sure that … they will be put in service within the next few years and, what is more, they will be developments of the kind that other nuclear powers do not and will not have,” according to ITAR-Tass, Russia’s state news agency.
Of particular interest is Putin’s understanding that strategic forces and concern with terrorism go hand in hand, rather than being in competition with each other. “International terrorism is one of the major threats for Russia. We understand as soon as we ignore such components of our defense as a nuclear and missile shield, other threats may occur.” By contrast, some missile defense opponents in America depreciate missile defense as a distraction from the war on terror, when both are essential to American national security. (More »»»)
» CNN on Putin speech
» Update: Nov. 18: Experts say Putin remark refer to Bulava
» More stories on: Russia
» Missile details: SS-27, SS-NX-30, SS-26
Solomonov Urges Funding for New Missiles, Pledges Completion of Topol-M Tests
November 1, 2004 :: Interfax :: News
Yury Solomonov, head of the Moscow-based Heat Technology Institute—an organization known for its specialization of designing missiles to overcome missile defenses—recently called on the Russian government to fully fund the up-and-coming advanced submarine-based ballistic missile, the SS-N-30 or Bulava, and its land-based equivalent, the Topol-M. The former has yet to be test launched; the latter has undergone a number of tests, and a number of the Topol-Ms are already deployed. It is believed that the two missiles will together form the mainstay of Russia’s military arsenal for the coming decades, replacing older missiles based on land and sea.
Solomonov also commented that production of the Topol-Ms had temporarily twice come to a halt in the past year due to insufficient funding.
On October 29 Solomonov pledged that the tests of the Topol-M would be completed this year, with perhaps another launch in December. Four Topol-Ms are also scheduled to be deployed in December 2004, and another ten in 2005-2006. (Link)
» Nov. 1: Interfax: Solomonov urges Bulava funding
» Nov. 1: Moscow Times: Topol M production twice came to stop
» Oct. 29: Interfax: Topol M testing to be completed in 2004
» More stories on: Russia
» Missile details: SS-27, SS-NX-30
Analysis: History of Bulava SS-N-30
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. (More »»»)
» More stories on: Analysis
» Missile details: SS-NX-30
Russia to Purchase Four New ICBMs in 2005
October 1, 2004 :: Xinhua :: News
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov reported today that Russian plans to purchase an additional four ICBMs in the coming year to maintain “parity” and the Russian national interest. The Chinese Xinhau news agency quotes Ivanov as saying that with respect to the new missiles, “The number of nuclear warheads is not important.”
The identity of the missiles which will be added to Russia’s Strategic Rocket Forces in 2005 was not given, but it is likely a reference to either the land-launched SS-27 (Topol-M) or its sea-launched counterpart, the SS-N-30 Bulava). (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Russia
» Missile details: SS-27, SS-NX-30
Russia Tests Bulava (SS-N-30) Sea-Launched Missile
September 23, 2004 :: News
As expected, Russia today test launched its new Bulava submarine launched intercontinental ballistic missile, according to the Interfax news agency. A Russian nuclear submarine, the Dmitry Donskoy, fired the Bulava missile from the White Sea.
The test coincides with Russia’s launch of two Kosmos military satellites today, as reported by Itar-Tass, which are used to monitor ballistic missile launches.
Interfax initially reported that the missile traveled to its intended target successfully. Another report said the test consisted of only a “pop-up,” a test of the release mechanism which ejects the missile from the submarine, and involved no actual firing of the missile’s engine.
Update: The latter report is confirmed by another report by Interfax, which quoted Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov:
The Bulava system was tested under water last week, Ivanov said. “The tests were successful,” he said. The minister said they used a real-size mock-up of the missile for tests. It was fired from the submerged Dmitriy Donskoy submarine. “The mock-up was delivered to a height where the cruise engine starts working,” Ivanov said. The tests showed that the missile system could be fired from submerged submarines, the minister said.
(Article, Link)
» Sep. 23, 2004: Defense News on Russian satellite launches
» More stories on: Russia, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: SS-NX-30
Russia to Test Another SLBM Next Week
September 21, 2004 :: News
Russia is planning to test yet another sea launched ballistic missile in the coming week, reports the Interfax news agency. The Dmitriy Donskoy nuclear submarine in the Russian Northern Fleet is expected to test launch the advanced Bulava ICBM from the White Sea. The Bulava or SS-NX-30 is the submarine-launched version of Russia’s Topol-M missile, of which there are both mobile and silo-launched versions. (Article, Link)
» More stories on: Russia, Testing - Foreign
» Missile details: SS-NX-30
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