MOSCOW: Russia has successfully test-launched a Sineva sea-based ballistic missile, a source in the Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday.
“The launch was conducted on Monday from a Delta IV class strategic nuclear-powered submarine in service with Russia’s Northern Fleet,” the source said.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday that Russia had successfully test-launched a ballistic missile from a strategic submarine, but did not specify the type of missile or the name of the submarine.
“The target was hit and the pieces of the missile landed in the designated area,” the president said at a meeting with Navy personnel in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi.
The RSM-54 Sineva (NATO designation SS-N-23 Skiff) is a third-generation liquid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile that entered service with the Russian Navy in July 2007. It can carry four or 10 nuclear warheads, depending on the modification.
Russia is planning to equip its Delta IV class submarines with at least 100 Sineva missiles.
