Russia to Resume Bulava Missile Tests by Year End

New test launches of the troubled Bulava missile will start later this year following a recent unsuccessful launch that forced the Russian military to suspend sea trials of new Borey-class subs, a senior government official said.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered five additional launches of Bulava SLBM following a failed launch on September 6 when a missile fired during state trials of the Alexander Nevsky nuclear-powered submarine in the White Sea fell on the second minute of flight.

"I am not sure if all five launches will take place this year but they will certainly start in 2013,” Ivan Kharchenko, a first deputy chairman of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission, told reporters on Friday.

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