The Russian Navy’s newest Borey Class strategic nuclear-powered submarine, the Yury Dolgoruky, has begun a series of sea trials in the White Sea.

The R23bn ($755m) submarine will be armed with the ill-fated Bulava sea-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

The Bulava (SS-NX-30) has officially suffered seven failures in 12 tests.

Several lawmakers and defence industry officials have suggested that efforts should be focused on the existing Sineva SLBM missile rather than the Bulava, according to RIA Novosti.

The Russian Navy has, however, insisted that it will continue testing the missile until it is put into service.