Russia test launches intercontinental ballistic missile from new nuclear submarine

Russia claimed on Sunday that it had successfully test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from its nuclear-powered submarine, Imperator Alexander III. Designed to carry nuclear warheads, this test comes at a time of heightened tensions between Russia and the West due to Vladimir Putin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Moscow recently revoked its ratification of the global treaty that banned nuclear weapons, causing severe criticism from Washington. The Russian defense ministry stated, “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.”

According to the ministry, the Bulava missile was fired from an underwater position in Russia’s northern White Sea and successfully hit a target in the far-eastern region of the Kamchatka peninsula. The missile, measuring 12 meters in length, has an estimated range of 8,000km and the capacity to carry up to six nuclear warheads.

The Imperator Alexander III is part of the new Borei-class nuclear submarines, each capable of carrying 16 Bulava missiles and serves as a vital component of Russia’s nuclear forces. The submarine is equipped with modern torpedo weapons as well, as disclosed by the ministry.

In December, President Putin participated in a ceremony marking the launch of the Imperator Alexander III, according to state news agency TASS. Currently, the Russian navy has three operational Borei-class nuclear submarines, one undergoing testing, and three more under construction.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern about Russia’s decision to withdraw its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). He stated, “Russia’s move represents a significant step in the wrong direction, taking us further from, not closer to, entry into force. Russia’s action will only serve to set back confidence in the international arms control regime.”

President Putin has not yet decided whether Russia will resume nuclear testing. Last month, both houses of the Russian parliament voted to revoke Moscow’s ratification of the CTBT, which was adopted in 1996.

In an interview aired on Sunday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that relations with the United States were currently “below zero.” However, he acknowledged the need for the leaders of Russia and the United States to resume contact at some point.