Russia will conduct the 14th test of the ill-fated Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile on 29 October.

The missile has officially suffered seven failures in the 13 tests, while a successful launch was held on 7 October from the Dmitry Donskoy submarine in the White Sea, according to RIA Novosti.

Russian Deputy Defence Minister Vladimir Popovkin said the missile would enter service only when it is 98%-99% efficient.

According to sources, a further launch of the missile is scheduled to take place before the end of the year.

The Bulava (SS-NX-30) is a three-stage liquid and solid-propellant submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), capable of carrying six individually targeted nuclear warheads.