News agencies say Russia has successfully tested its second submarine-launched ballistic missile in as many days.
RIA-Novosti and Interfax quote the head of Russia's joint chief of staff as saying a Sineva-type missile was fired Tuesday from the submarine Bryansk near the White Sea.
Gen. Nikolai Makarov was quoted as saying it was a short-range test for the Sineva.
Russia is struggling to introduce the newer, more-sophisticated Bulava missile into service, but it has failed in five of 10 launches.
Russian leaders say the Bulava will be able to penetrate missile defenses and will be a key part of the military's future nuclear arsenal.
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According to RIA-Novosti (July 14th, 2009),
The RSM-54 Sineva (NATO codename 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 to 10 nuclear warheads, depending on the modification. Russia is planning to equip its Delta IV class submarines with at least 100 Sineva missiles.
Navy commander Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky recently said Russia would carry out the next test of a Bulava sea-launched ballistic missile in late July, one of a total of four or five launches this year.
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