The Russian Navy will launch the Bulava ballistic missile during the first half of September 2010, a defence sector official has said.

The test launch, initially scheduled for 11-14 August, was postponed due to wildfires.

The missile launch would be performed from the Dmitry Donskoi submarine of Project 941 (Akula) and from the Yuri Dolgoruky submarine of Project 955 (Borei), according to Itar-Tass News Agency.

The missile has a range of 8,500km and can carry up to ten supersonic manoeuvring re-entry vehicles capable of changing the course and altitude of flight.

The three-stage solid fuel rocket designed for fourth generation Borei Class submarines has so far only achieved five successful launches in 12 tests.