Russia launches another ballistic missile, prepares to create sea-based carrier systems

Russia successfully launched sea-based intercontinental ballistic missile on August 1, 2008. The launch was performed from nuclear submarine Ryazan in the Barents Sea, Interfax reports with reference to senior official of the Russian Naval Command, Igor Dygalo.

“The launch was performed from the underwater position in the Barents Sea . The warhead of the missile successfully hit the target on Kura test ground in Kamchatka, the official said. “The regular check-up of the nation’s naval strategic nuclear forces has been conducted successfully, the official added.

Nuclear-powered submarine Ryazan was built in Russia’s Severodvinsk in 1982. This is a Kalmar class, 667 BDR project (NATO - Delta-3) nuclear cruiser. The length of the submarine is 155 meters; it is equipped with 16 intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Admiral Vyacheslav Popov, the former commander of Russia’s Northern Fleet said Monday that the Northern and Pacific Fleets would soon have maritime carrier systems which will include nuclear aircraft carriers.

The new systems will act in close contact with air force and missile defense for the interest of state security.

“Depending on goals set, aircraft carriers can closely cooperate with submarines providing combat stability to each other,” Popov said.

The official recalled the war in Iraq when US carriers afforded protection of nuclear submarines from which cruise missile were launched.

Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, said that Russia would create five or six aircraft carrier groups in its Northern and Pacific Fleets. The naval command decided to build not only aircraft carriers, but maritime carrier systems.

“The construction of such systems will start after 2012. They will be closely linked with space groups,” the official said.

Russia is also going to launch Project 955 Borei nuclear cruiser equipped with new ballistic missiles. “The new Boreis will become the center of sea-based strategic nuclear forces of Russia before 2040,” Vysotsky added.