Russian Navy's Newest Missile Subs Not Operational

The Russian Navy’s newest ballistic missile submarines are not ready to begin operations in their primary role of carrying out nuclear deterrent patrols due to a failed test firing of the Bulava missile last year, a high command source told RIA Novosti on Friday.

The two Borey-class boats in question, the Alexander Nevsky and Vladimir Monomakh, may instead be restricted to experimental testing in the attack role and armed with conventional weapons, the high command source said.

“The Borey-class strategic missile submarines can carry out the tasks of multi-role attack submarines by carrying other weapons on board – torpedoes and rocket-torpedoes. Just like a doctor of science can also teach math in a high school,” the source said.

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