Russia has successfully tested the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile on the Borei-class Alexander Nevsky nuclear submarine, from a designated location in the Barents Sea, the Russian Defence Ministry has said.

During testing, which is the third successful launch since last year’s abortive attempt, the missile hit the intended target at the Kura test range on Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula.

"The missile hit the intended target at the Kura test range on Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula."

Aimed at replacing the R-39UTTH Bark missile, the Bulava has a range of more than 8,000km and can carry ten MIRV warheads.

The latest test follows the successful launch of the Bulava missile from two Borei-class nuclear-powered Vladimir Monomakh and Yury Dolgoruky submarines.

Built by the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, Bulava-equipped submarines are expected to be commissioned into the Russian marine strategic nuclear forces between 2025 and 2030.

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Yury Dolgoruky, the first of the Borei-class submarines, was commissioned in January 2013, with Alexander Nevsky commissioned in December last year. Vladimir Monomakh, the third submarine, is yet to enter service.

Defence Technology