24,000-ton nuclear-powered submarine fires 5,160-mile-range missile while submerged

Russia has test-fired a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from a submerged nuclear-powered submarine in the Sea of Okhotsk. The missile headed toward a designated test range in Russia’s Arkhangelsk region, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The launch took place on October 28 as part of a scheduled combat training exercise. The submarine, Generalissimo Suvorov, belongs to Russia’s Pacific Fleet and carries weapons designed for the country’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. The test involved launching a strategic missile from beneath the surface, with the submarine operating in the Russian Far East. Its target lay thousands of miles away in northwestern Russia. Testing the Bulava missile The Russian Defense Ministry said the crew launched the Bulava missile toward the Chizha test range in the Arkhangelsk region. The ministry did not disclose the missile’s flight time or provide detailed results from the test. Launching a ballistic missile from underwater requires careful coordination between the submarine and its weapon systems. The crew must follow the launch sequence while the vessel remains submerged, allowing it to fire without surfacing first. That capability is central to the role of ballistic missile submarines. Their ability to operate at sea gives them greater flexibility than fixed land-based launch sites. The Bulava serves as the primary weapon aboard Russia’s Borei-class strategic submarines. These missiles give the Russian Navy a sea-based option for delivering nuclear weapons as part of the country’s broader deterrent. Inside the Borei-A submarine The Generalissimo Suvorov, also known as K-553, belongs to the Project 955A Borei-A class. Russia developed these nuclear-powered submarines to carry strategic missiles while improving on earlier submarine designs. The Generalissimo Suvorov measures around 558 feet long and displaces approximately 14,720 metric tons on the surface. Its submerged displacement rises to about 24,000 metric tons. Powered by a nuclear reactor, the Borei-A class submarine can reach speeds of around 15 knots on the surface and up to 29 knots underwater. It also carries 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles. The vessel incorporates updated equipment and technical systems. Its design also aims to reduce detectable physical signatures and improve protection during operations. Rubin Central Design Bureau for Marine Engineering, based in St. Petersburg, designed the submarine. Construction began at the Sevmash shipyard on December 26, 2014, and the Russian Navy commissioned the vessel in 2022. The submarine initially served with Russia’s Northern Fleet. It transferred to the Pacific Fleet in October 2023 and arrived at its permanent base in Kamchatka. That move placed the vessel within Russia’s Pacific submarine force, which operates across the country’s eastern maritime approaches. The Sea of Okhotsk provides an important operating area for Russian naval forces based in the region. Russia’s sea-based nuclear force Borei and Borei-A class submarines carry 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to the Russian report. Nuclear propulsion allows them to remain at sea for extended periods without the refueling needs of conventional submarines. The combination of underwater launch capability and long-range missiles makes these vessels an important part of Russia’s strategic arsenal. Submarines can operate away from fixed launch facilities, complicating efforts to track their movements. The latest test confirms that the Generalissimo Suvorov continues to participate in Russia’s combat training program. However, the ministry released few details about the missile’s performance or the exercise’s specific objectives. The launch also provides no indication of changes to the Bulava’s capabilities. Its significance lies in demonstrating the submarine’s continued role in training with one of Russia’s principal sea-based nuclear weapons. Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Aamir is a seasoned tech journalist with experience at Exhibit Magazine, Republic World, and PR Newswire. With a deep love for all things tech and science, he has spent years decoding the latest innovations and exploring how they shape industries, lifestyles, and the future of humanity.