The Russian Navy says it will conduct at least four test launches of the Bulava ballistic missile at the end of June 2010.
The forthcoming tests for the troubled Bulava ballistic missile will determine whether or not it will be put in service with the Russian Navy, Ria Novosti said quoting a senior navy commander.
Deputy of the naval general staff Vice Admiral Oleg Burtsev said the navy would continue Bulava tests launches from the Dmitry Donskoy submarine and ultimately from the Borey Class Yury Dolgoruky submarine, which is scheduled to carry out several test launches during sea trials.
Only five of a series of 12 Bulava test launches were reported to be carried out successfully from the Dmitry Donskoy submarine.
The Bulava is a three-stage liquid and solid-propellant submarine-launched ballistic missile, which can carry up to ten multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) warheads with a range of over 8,000km.
Yuriy Dolgorukiy is the first Borey Class submarine specifically designed to launch Bulava missiles. It is currently undergoing sea trials.
The submarine and the missile would be put into service with the Russian Navy by the end of 2010 upon the successful completion of the tests, according to the navy commander.
