Russia test launches second Sineva ballistic missile in two days

NOVOROSSIISK, July 14 (RIA Novosti) - Russia has test-launched a second Sineva intercontinental ballistic missile from a submarine, the chief of the General Staff said on Tuesday.

The first launch was conducted on Monday from a Delta IV class strategic nuclear-powered submarine of Russia's Northern Fleet.

Army Gen. Nikolai Makarov also said that a Bulava SLBM would be launched in the near future.

"Just you wait a little, and it will be launched," he said.

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.

Despite five failures in 10 trials, the last unsuccessful test being in December 2008, Russia's Defense Ministry is planning to complete testing the Bulava and put the ICBM into service by the end of 2009.

The Russian military says the Bulava, along with Topol-M ballistic missiles, will become the core of Russia's nuclear triad.

The triad comprises land-based ballistic missile systems, nuclear-powered submarines armed with sea-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers carrying nuclear bombs and nuclear-capable cruise missiles.