RSM-56 Bulava

{{short description|Russian submarine-launched ballistic missile}} {{About|the Russian ballistic missile|the ceremonial mace of the same name|Buława}} {{Infobox weapon |is_vehicle=yes | is_missile = yes | name = RSM-56 Bulava<ref name="rusnavy.com">{{cite web |url=http://rusnavy.com/news/navy/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=10483 |title=Next launch of SLBM Bulava to be held in Oct |publisher=Rusnavy.com |date=11 October 2010 |access-date=2011-12-29}}</ref> | image = File:Bulava SLBM launched by Yuri Dolgoruky submarine (cropped).jpg | caption = Bulava launched from submarine Yuri Dolgoruky on 28 October 2011 | origin = Russia | type = SLBM | used_by = Russian Navy | designer = Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology | manufacturer = Votkinsk Plant State Production Association | unit_cost = $32.2 million (2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gazeta.ru/politics/2012/08/10_a_4720661.shtml|title="Mace" is over|website=www.gazeta.ru|date=10 August 2012 |access-date=}}</ref> | propellant = Solid propellant and liquid fuel | payload_capacity = 1150 kg | production_date = 2011 | service = 2018–present<ref name="tass"/> | engine = Three stage solid and liquid head stage | engine_power = | weight = {{convert|36.8|MT|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|11.5|m|abbr=on}} (without warhead) {{convert|12.1|m|abbr=on}} (launch container) | height = | diameter = {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} (missile) {{convert|2.1|m|abbr=on}} (launch container) | wingspan = | speed = | vehicle_range = 8,300 km<ref name="russianspaceweb.com"-SS-NX-30>{{cite web|url=http://www.russianspaceweb.com/bulava.html|title=Bulava (SS-NX-30) submarine-based ballistic missile|website=www.russianspaceweb.com}}</ref> ≥ 9,300,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-naval-defense/naval-defense-2015/russia-to-upgrade-its-bulava-r-30-slbm-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile|title = Russia to Upgrade its Bulava R-30 SLBM Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile| date=27 November 2015 }}</ref> 10,000km<ref>{{cite book |last1=Allen |first1=John R. |last2=Hodges |first2=Frederick Ben |last3=Lindley-French |first3=Julian |title=Future War and the Defence of Europe |date=2021 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-885583-5 |page=232 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VB0gEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA232 |language=en}}</ref>{{better source|reason=reference cites Fox News|date=November 2023}} | accuracy = 250-300 m CEP <ref name="russianspaceweb.com-SS-N-32">{{cite web|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-n-32-bulava/ |title=RSM-56 Bulava (SS-N-32) }}</ref> | ceiling = | altitude = | filling = 6 × 150 kt<ref name="militaryrussia.com">{{cite web |url=http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-864.html |title=Д-30 / Р-30 / 3М-30 Булава - SS-N-32" |publisher=militaryrussia.com |date=18 June 2016 |access-date=9 January 2025|language=ru}}</ref> MIRVs<ref>{{cite report |page=33 |url=https://www.nasic.af.mil/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=F2VLcKSmCTE%3d&portalid=19 |title=Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat |id=NASIC-1031-0985-17 |publisher=Defense Intelligence Ballistic Missile Analysis Committee |date=June 2017 |access-date=16 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="FAS_RNF_2019">{{cite journal|title=Russian nuclear forces, 2019 |journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists |volume=75 |issue=2 |pages=73–84 |last1=Kristensen |first1=Hans M. |last2=Korda |first2=Matt |date=4 March 2019 |doi=10.1080/00963402.2019.1580891 |bibcode=2019BuAtS..75b..73K |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref name="flot.com">{{cite web |url=http://flot.com/news/vpk/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=56743 |title=Названа дата 14-го запуска "Булавы" |publisher=Flot.com |date=26 October 2010 |access-date=1 January 2020|language=ru}}</ref> | guidance = Inertial guidance, possibly with Astro-inertial guidance and/or GLONASS update | detonation = | launch_platform = {{sclass2|Borei|submarine}}s {{sclass2|Typhoon|submarine|2}} {{ship|Russian submarine TK-208|Dmitri Donskoi||2}} (as a testbed)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/security/2017/08/here-comes-russias-giant-typhoon-sub|title=Here comes Russia's giant Typhoon sub|publisher=thebarentsobserver.com|date=5 August 2017|access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref> }}

The '''RSM-56 Bulava''' ({{langx|ru|Булава}}, {{lit}} "mace", NATO reporting names '''SS-N-30''' / '''SS-NX-32''',<ref>{{Cite web |title=SS-N-30 Bulava – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance |url=https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-threat-and-proliferation/todays-missile-threat/russia/ss-n-30-bulava/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> GRAU index '''3M30''', '''3K30''') is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed for the Russian Navy and deployed in 2019 on the new {{sclass2|Borei|submarine|4}} of ballistic missile nuclear submarines. It is intended to serve as a crucial component of Russia's nuclear triad.<ref name="foxnews_7oct">{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/10/07/russian-military-successfully-tests-new-missile/ |title=Russian military successfully tests new missile |work=Fox News |date=2010-10-07 |access-date=2012-11-05}}</ref>

Designed by Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology, development of the missile was launched in the late 1990s as a replacement for the R-39 Rif solid-fuel SLBM.<ref name=wru201004> {{cite web |url=http://warfare.be/?linkid=1715&catid=265 |title=SS-27 Topol-M / SS-NX-30 Bulava ("Mace") |publisher=warfare.ru |year=2007 |access-date=2010-04-07}}</ref> The Project 955/955A Borei-class submarines carry 16 missiles per vessel.

A source in the Russian defense industry told TASS on June 29, 2018, that the D-30 missile system with the R-30 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile had been accepted for service in the Russian Navy after its successful four-missile salvo launch tests in 2018.<ref name="inservice" />

==Description== thumb|left|A Bulava tested in June 2017. The Bulava missile was developed by Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology under the leadership of chief designer {{ill|Yury Solomonov|ru|Соломонов, Юрий Семёнович}}. Although it utilizes some engineering solutions used for the recent RT-2PM2 Topol-M ICBM, the new missile has been developed virtually from scratch.{{cn|date=April 2023}} The Bulava is the submarine version of the Topol-M, and is both lighter and thinner than the Volna.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Harvey |first1=Brian |title=The Rebirth of the Russian Space Program: 50 Years After Sputnik, New Frontiers |date=10 May 2007 |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |isbn=978-0-387-71354-0 |page=186 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=363jnxrlSgkC&pg=PA186 |language=en}}</ref> The two missiles are expected to have comparable ranges, and similar CEP and warhead configurations.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}} Bulava has a declared START throw weight of 1150 kg to 9,500 kilometers.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Litovkin |first1=Victor |title=The Bulava Missile: A Russian Military Trump Card? |journal=Security Index: A Russian Journal on International Security |date=1 June 2011 |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=69–74 |doi=10.1080/19934270.2011.580583 |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19934270.2011.580583?journalCode=rsec20 |issn=1993-4270|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The missile has three stages; the first and second stages use solid fuel propellant, while the third stage uses a liquid fuel to allow high maneuverability during warhead separation.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}} The missile can be launched from an inclined position, allowing a submarine to fire them while moving.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}} It has a low flight trajectory, and due to this could be classified as a quasi-ballistic missile.<ref name="rian_infograph">{{cite news |url=http://en15.rian.ru/img/118575033_free.html |title=Bulava - the lightest ballistic missile of its type |work=RIA Novosti |access-date=2012-11-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006140135/http://en15.rian.ru/img/118575033_free.html |archive-date=2014-10-06 }}</ref> It is rumored to possess advanced missile defense evasion capabilities and can maneuver at its boost stage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1354531|title = Russia's Bulava ICBM invulnerable to any ABM systems — commander}}</ref>

Borei-class submarines carrying Bulava missiles are expected to be an integral part of the Russian nuclear triad until 2040.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

Bulava can be loaded on TEL road mobile launchers, on railway BZhRK trains and other various launchers.{{Citation needed|date=January 2020}}

==Development history==

===Inception=== In the 1990s, Russia had two submarine-launched ICBMs, the solid-fuel R-39 and the liquid-fuel R-29 Vysota family, both developed by the Makeyev Design Bureau. A new missile, designated R-39UTTH Bark was under development to replace the R-39. The Bark was planned to become the only submarine-launched ballistic missile of the Russian nuclear arsenal.<ref name="russianforces">{{cite journal |url=http://russianforces.org/blog/2005/01/status_of_russias_slbm_program.shtml |title=Status of Russia's SLBM programs |journal=Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces |publisher=russianforces.org |year=2005 |access-date=2012-11-05|last1=Podvig |first1=Pavel }}</ref> However, its development was plagued with problems, and after three test failures the Bark programme was canceled in 1998. Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology was now tasked with developing a new advanced missile. The institute promised that it would be able to quickly develop a new naval missile based on its recent Topol-M land-based ICBM.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

The new missile would be deployed per 16 missiles on the Borei I (Project 955) and Borei II (Project 955A) class submarines.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rusnavy.com/news/navy/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=10367 |title=SSBN Yury Dolgoruky completed sea trials |publisher=rusnavy.com |date=28 September 2010 |access-date=2011-12-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20130220/923813018.html|title=Новые АПЛ "Борей-А" будут вооружены 16, а не 20 "Булавами"|newspaper=Риа Новости|date=20 February 2013}}</ref> As the new submarines would not be ready in time for flight tests, the Typhoon-class submarine ''Dmitry Donskoy'' was upgraded to carry Bulavas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rusnavy.com/news/navy/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=9977 |title=Bulava trials are postponed |publisher=rusnavy.com |date=2009-12-09 |access-date=2011-12-29}}</ref>

Key people involved in the decision to develop Bulava included the institute director and Bulava's chief designer Yury Solomonov; director of the Defense Ministry's Fourth Central Research Institute, Major-General Vladimir Dvorkin; Navy Commander, Fleet Admiral Vladimir Kuroyedov; Defense Minister, Marshal Igor Sergeyev; Economics Minister Yakov Urinson and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

===First tests=== The missile completed the first stage launch-tests at the end of 2004. Although it was initially planned to base the Bulava design on the Topol-M, the first tests showed that the new missile was completely different in terms of appearance, dimensions and warhead lay-out.{{cn|date=April 2023}} It was later acknowledged that the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology had developed Bulava virtually from scratch, reusing only a few engineering solutions from the Topol-M.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

===Troubles=== The missile's flight test programme was problematic. Until 2009, there were 6 failures in 13 flight tests and one failure during ground test, blamed mostly on substandard components. This led to the missile's chief designer, Yury Solomonov resigning from his post in July 2009.{{cn|date=April 2023}} Aleksandr Sukhodolskiy was appointed as the new general designer of sea-based ballistic missiles at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology; Solomonov however retained his post of general designer of land-based missiles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rg.ru/2010/09/20/bulava.html |title="Булава" сносит головы |publisher=Российская газета |date=2010-09-20 |access-date=2012-11-05}}</ref>

After a failure in December 2009, further tests were put on hold and a probe was conducted to find out the reasons for the failures. Testing was resumed on 7 October 2010 with a launch from the {{sclass2|Typhoon|submarine}} {{ship|Russian submarine TK-208|Dmitri Donskoi||2}} in the White Sea; the warheads successfully hit their targets at the Kura Test Range in the Russian Far East.{{cn|date=April 2023}} Seven launches have been conducted since the probe, all successful. On 28 June 2011, the missile was launched for the first time from its standard carrier, Borei-class submarine {{ship|Russian submarine|Yury Dolgorukiy||2}}, and on 27 August 2011 the first full-range (over {{convert|9000|km|abbr=on}}) flight test was conducted. After this successful launch, the start of serial production of Bulava missiles in the same configuration was announced on 28 June 2011. A successful salvo launch on 23 December 2011 concluded the flight test programme. The missile was officially approved for service on 27 December 2011,{{cn|date=April 2023}} and was reported to be commissioned aboard ''Yuri Dolgorukiy'' on 10 January 2013. The missile did however continue to fail in the summer of 2013 and was not operational as of November 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20131101/184467946/Russian-Navys-Newest-Missile-Subs-Not-Operational--Source.html|title=Russian Navy's Newest Missile Subs Not Operational – Source|date=November 2013|access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> The Bulava became operational aboard ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' as of October 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/757230|title=TASS: Russia - Bulava missile launched from nuclear sub in Russia|work=TASS|access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref> However, recent developments put this in question. In November 2015, the submarine {{ship|Russian submarine|Vladimir Monomakh||2}} fired two missiles while submerged. One of the missiles self-destructed during the boost phase and the other failed to deliver its warheads to the specified target. After being sent back to the manufacturer, it was determined that the missiles failed due to manufacturing defects.<ref name="pravdareport.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.pravdareport.com/news/russia/kremlin/02-03-2016/133703-russia_nuclear_submarines-0/|title=Russia's most powerful nuclear subs to volley-fire ICBMs|date=2 March 2016|access-date=23 June 2016|archive-date=11 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160511212615/http://www.pravdareport.com/news/russia/kremlin/02-03-2016/133703-russia_nuclear_submarines-0/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After two successful tests in June 2017 and May 2018, a source in the Russian defense industry told TASS on June 29, 2018, that the D-30 missile system with the R-30 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile had been accepted for service in the Russian Navy.<ref name="inservice">{{cite journal|url=http://russianforces.org/blog/2018/06/bulava_is_finally_accepted_for.shtml|title=Bulava is finally accepted for service|first=Pavel|last=Podvig|date=29 June 2018|journal=Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces}}</ref>

====Explanations for the failures==== Chief designer Solomonov blamed the failures on the poor state of the Russian defense industry and problems in the design-technology-production chain. :"Sometimes [the problem] is poor-quality materials, sometimes it is the lack of necessary equipment to exclude the 'human' factor in production, sometimes it is inefficient quality control" According to Solomonov, the industry is unable to manufacture 50 of the necessary components for the missile, forcing designers to improvise and look for alternative solutions, which seriously complicates the testing process. Solomonov further said that despite the failures, there was no need for changes in the design.<ref name="news_az">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.az/articles/13270 |title=Bulava missile designer blames industry for test failures |work=news.az |date=2010-04-14 |access-date=2012-11-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314220804/http://www.news.az/articles/13270 |archive-date=2012-03-14 }}</ref>

Sergei Kovalyov, the designer of three generations of Russian strategic submarines said that due to lack of funding, the developers had been unable to conduct test launches from a floating pad to test the underwater segment of the missile's trajectory. He also said that there were insufficient funds to conduct ground-based test launches. Both types of testing had been standard procedure during Soviet times. Kovalyov also criticised the poor quality of missile components provided by a large number of sub-contractors and the absence of military representatives at manufacturing plants.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

The 2009 Norwegian spiral anomalies, a temporary strange light phenomenon over vast areas of northern Norway have been explained with a failed stage of a Bulava missile test.<ref name="New Scientist">{{Cite news |url= https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18262-strange-norway-spiral-likely-an-outofcontrol-missile.html |title= Strange 'Norway spiral' likely an out-of-control missile |work= New Scientist |date= 10 December 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091213201746/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18262-strange-norway-spiral-likely-an-outofcontrol-missile.html| archive-date= 13 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="CSM">{{Cite news |url= https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2009/1210/norway-spiral-a-rocket-scientist-explains-the-mystery |title= Norway spiral: A rocket scientist explains the mystery |work= Christian Science Monitor |date= 10 December 2009 |access-date=11 December 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091213121134/http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2009/1210/norway-spiral-a-rocket-scientist-explains-the-mystery| archive-date= 13 December 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> According to a spokesman, "The missile's first two stages worked as normal, but there was a technical malfunction at the next, third, stage of the trajectory".<ref name=moskowitz>Clara Moskowitz, [https://web.archive.org/web/20131024163334/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/34362960/ 'Russia admits missile caused UFO lights']. ''MSNBC News'', 10 December 2009.</ref><ref name=ieees201001>{{cite web |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/military/russias-ailing-icbm-program/0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125054218/http://spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/military/russias-ailing-icbm-program/0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 25, 2010 |title=Russia's Ailing ICBM Program: Spiral over Norway latest in string of failures |first=James |last=Oberg |publisher=IEEE Spectrum |date=January 2010 |access-date=2010-04-07 }}</ref>

====Effects on the military==== Due to the delays in Bulava's development, the launch of the fourth Borei-class submarine, ''Svyatitel Nikolay'', was pushed back.{{cn|date=April 2023}} Russia was planning to build eight Borei-class submarines by 2015.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

Only one Typhoon-class submarine, ''Dmitry Donskoy'', was modified to launch Bulavas. The Bulava program is the most expensive weapons project in Russia.<ref name="foxnews_7oct"/>

====Debate about the program==== Despite continued test failures, the Russian defense minister, Anatoliy Serdyukov, has stated that the project will not be abandoned. "We will certainly not give up the Bulava. I think that despite all the failures, the missile will fly," he said in an interview in late December 2009. The Russian military has been adamant that there is no alternative to Bulava.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

There has been discussions among analysts about the possibility of re-equipping the Borei-class submarines with the more reliable liquid-propellant R-29RMU Sineva missiles. The Sineva is an upgrade of the R-29RM Shtil and entered service in 2007. According to ''RIA Novosti'' military analyst Ilya Kramnik, this would have been an attractive option, given that the less advanced Sineva missiles already have "virtually the same impressive specifications as the Trident II (D5) SLBMs wielded by the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy." However, the work needed to redesign and modify the Borei-class submarines to carry Sinevas is regarded as too expensive.{{cn|date=April 2023}}

====Probe==== After a launch failure in December 2009 caused by a defective engine nozzle and which led to the 2009 Norwegian spiral anomaly, further tests were put on hold and a review of the missile program was initiated. The results of the probe were delivered to the Russian government in May 2010.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

===2010 tests=== Testing was resumed for the first time after the probe on 7 October 2010. The missile was launched from the submerged ''Dmitry Donskoy'', in the White Sea, and the warheads successfully hit their targets at the Kura testing range, {{convert|380|km}} to the north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in the Russian Far East.{{cn|date=April 2023}} The launch reportedly took place at 07:15 UTC.<ref name="podvig_7oct">{{cite web |url=http://russianforces.org/blog/2010/10/bulava_launch_reported_success_3.shtml |title=Bulava launch reported success |last=Podvig |first=Pavel |publisher=russianforces.org |access-date=2012-11-05}}</ref> The missile travelled over {{convert|6000|km}}, and the rocket's trajectory was within the normal parameters, according to a Navy official.<ref name="alertnet_7oct">{{cite news |url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE6960VR.htm |title=Russia successfully tests troubled Bulava missile |agency=Reuters AlertNet |date=2010-10-07 |access-date=2012-11-05}}</ref>

The second test launch in 2010 from ''Dmitry Donskoy'' was set to 29 October<ref name="flot.com"/> and was successful.{{cn|date=March 2023}}

The next test to be performed from ''Yuriy Dolgorukiy'' was initially planned to December 2010, but was postponed to mid-summer 2011 due to ice conditions in White Sea.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://flot.com/news/navy/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=60343 |title=Названа новая дата испытаний "Булавы" |publisher=flot.com |date=15 December 2010 |access-date=2011-12-29}}</ref>

===2011 tests and deployment=== According to the Russian Vice Premier Sergei Ivanov another six successful launches (one planned in 2010, other five in 2011) will be required before the missile could be commissioned.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://rusnavy.com/news/navy/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=10679 |title=To commission Bulava, six effective launches are required – Ivanov |publisher=rusnavy.com |access-date=2012-11-05 }}</ref>

===2012 tests and deployment===

In August 2012 a high-ranking official of Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation said in 2012 Russia will test fire its Bulava missile only once, in November, specifically from the nuclear-powered submarine {{ship|Russian submarine|Alexander Nevsky||2}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_08_17/In-2012-Russia-will-test-fire-its-Bulava-ballistic-missile-only-once/ |title=In 2012, Russia will test fire its Bulava ballistic missile only once : Voice of Russia |access-date=2012-11-18 |archive-date=2012-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102164859/http://english.ruvr.ru/2012_08_17/In-2012-Russia-will-test-fire-its-Bulava-ballistic-missile-only-once/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===2013 deployment===

Bulava was finally commissioned with its lead carrier ''Yuri Dolgorukiy'' on 10 January 2013. The official ceremony of raising the Russian Navy colors on the submarine was led by Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu. After another failed launch in September, Shoigu announced a pause in the state trials of the next two submarines and five more test launches.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} The entire production run of the missiles was then recalled for factory inspections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rg.ru/2013/09/16/bulava-anons.html|title=Info|date=16 September 2013 |access-date=23 December 2014}}</ref>

==Timetable==

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" |+ class="nowrap" | RSM-56 Bulava launches |- ! # ! Date ! Result ! Position ! Submarine ! Notes |- | 01 | 24 June 2004 | Failure | Surfaced | {{ship|Russian submarine|Dmitriy Donskoi|TK-208|2}} | Solid-propellant engine exploded during the test.{{citation needed |date=November 2020}} |- | 02 | 23 September 2004 | Success | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | Ejection of a full mock-up of the Bulava missile from a submerged position.{{citation needed |date=November 2020}} |- | 03 | 27 September 2005 | Success | Surfaced | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | First flight test. The missile flew for 14 minutes and covered a distance of {{convert|5,500|km|abbr=on}}. Warheads hit all designated targets at the testing grounds.{{citation needed |date=November 2020}} |- | 04 | 21 December 2005 | Success | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | All targets at the Kura Missile Test Range were hit.{{citation needed |date=November 2020}} |- | 05 | 7 September 2006 | Failure | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | A glitch in the program caused the missile to deviate from set trajectory and fall into the sea before reaching the target.{{citation needed |date=November 2020}} |- | 06 | 25 October 2006 | Failure | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | The missile deviated from the trajectory, self-destructed and fell into the White Sea.{{citation needed |date=November 2020}} |- | 07 | 24 December 2006 | Failure | Surfaced | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | Malfunction of the third-stage engine caused the missile to self-destruct.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 08 | 29 June 2007 | Success | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | Warheads hit targets at the Kura Missile Test Range.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 09 | 18 September 2008 | Success | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | Launch at 18:45, warheads hit target at 19:05.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 10 | 28 November 2008 | Success | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | The first statements suggests that the test was a success.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 11 | 23 December 2008 | Failure | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | The missile malfunctioned during firing of its third-stage and self-destructed on command.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lenta.ru/news/2008/12/23/bulava/ |title=С АПЛ "Дмитрий Донской" произведен неудачный запуск "Булавы" |website=Lenta |date=23 December 2008 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> |- | 12 | 15 July 2009 | Failure | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | The missile self-destructed after a malfunction during the first-stage of its flight from the White Sea.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSGEE5AN0F7 |title=Q+A-Russia delays test of troubled Bulava missile |website=Reuters |date=24 November 2009 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> |- | 13 | 9 December 2009 | Failure | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | The missile test failed due to a malfunction in the third-stage engine.{{citation needed |date=November 2020}} Notably caused the 2009 Norwegian spiral anomaly. |- | 14 | 7 October 2010 | Success | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | Targets at the Kura Missile Test Range in the Russian Far East were successfully hit.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 15 | 29 October 2010 | Success | Submerged | ''Dmitriy Donskoi'' | Launch from the White Sea. Targets at the Kura Missile Test Range were hit successfully.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 16 | 27 June 2011 | Success | Submerged | {{ship|Russian submarine|Yury Dolgorukiy|K-535|2}} | First launch from standard missile carrier from the White Sea. Targets at the Kura Missile Test Range were hit successfully.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://russianforces.org/blog/2011/08/bulava_full-range_test_is_a_su.shtml |title=Bulava full-range test is a success |journal=Russian Strategic Nuclear Forces |date=27 August 2011 |access-date=24 August 2019 |last1=Podvig |first1=Pavel}}</ref> |- | 17 | 27 August 2011 | Success | Submerged | ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' | Maximum flight range test, launch from the White Sea from a submerged position. Target at the Pacific Ocean was hit successfully.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 18 | 28 October 2011 | Success | Submerged | ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' | Successful launch from the White Sea. Warheads hit target at the Kura Missile Test Range in Kamchatka.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rg.ru/2011/10/28/bulava-anons.html |title="Юрий Долгорукий" выполнил успешный пуск ракеты "Булава" |website=Rossiyskaya Gazeta |date=28 October 2011 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> |- | 19 | 23 December 2011 | Success | Submerged | ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' | A salvo launch involving two missiles. Warheads hit designated targets at the Kura Missile Test Range in Kamchatka.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 20 | 6 September 2013 | Failure | Submerged | {{ship|Russian submarine|Alexander Nevsky|K-550|2}} | A malfunction in one of its systems on the second minute of the flight.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 21 | 9 September 2014 | Success | Submerged | {{ship|Russian submarine|Vladimir Monomakh||2}} | The missile was launched from a location off northwest Russia's White Sea and hit a designated target at the Kura Missile Test Range.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} |- | 22 | 29 October 2014 | Success | Submerged | ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' | The missile successfully hit all targets at the Kura Missile Test Range.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interfax.ru/russia/404690 |title=Ракетоносец "Юрий Долгорукий" успешно выполнил пуск "Булавы" |website=Interfax |date=30 October 2014 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> |- | 23 | 28 November 2014 | Success | Submerged | ''Alexander Nevsky'' | ''Alexander Nevsky'' fired the missile from under water in the Barents Sea and it landed on a military training ground in Kamchatka, as planned.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-missile-idUSKCN0JC1SZ20141128 |title=Russian submarine test-launches Bulava intercontinental missile |website=Reuters |date=28 November 2014 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> |- | 24 | 15 November 2015 | Failure or success | Submerged | ''Vladimir Monomakh'' | According to Pravda.ru, one of the missiles self-destructed during the boost phase and the other demonstrated low accuracy. After being sent back to the manufacturer, it was determined that the missiles failed due to manufacturing defects.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pravdareport.com/news/russia/kremlin/02-03-2016/133703-russia_nuclear_submarines-0/ |title=Russia's most powerful nuclear subs to volley-fire ICBMs |website=Pravda |date=2 March 2016 |access-date=24 August 2019 |archive-date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203021829/http://www.pravdareport.com/news/russia/kremlin/02-03-2016/133703-russia_nuclear_submarines-0/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Other sources state the two missiles were flown successfully and the warheads hit the designated targets at the Kura Missile Test Range.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/11/confirmed-russias-deadliest-sub-test-fires-2-ballistic-missiles/ |title=Confirmed: 'Russia's Deadliest Sub' Test Fires 2 Ballistic Missiles |website=The Diplomat |date=18 November 2015 |access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newsru.com/russia/14nov2015/bulava.html |title=С подлодки "Владимир Мономах" успешно запустили две ракеты "Булава" (ВИДЕО) |website=newsru.com |date=14 November 2015 |access-date=24 August 2019 |language=ru}}</ref> |- | 25 | 27 September 2016 | Partial Success | Submerged | ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' | Two missiles were launched, one successfully struck a designated target at the Kura Missile Test Range, another one self-destructed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vz.ru/news/2016/9/27/834979.html |title=A two "Bulava" missile salvo has been successful only partially |website=Vzglyad |date=27 September 2016 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> |- | 26 | 26 June 2017 | Success | Submerged | ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' | Warheads of the Bulava missile performed a full cycle of the flight and successfully hit the designated targets at the Kura Missile Test Range in Kamchatka.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/953398 |title=Russian submarine successfully test-fires Bulava intercontinental missile |website=TASS |date=26 June 2017 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhmb7C5tdR0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/uhmb7C5tdR0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live |title=Пуск баллистической ракеты "Булава" с подводного крейсера "Юрий Долгорукий" |website=Russian Defence Ministry |date=27 June 2017 |access-date=24 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 27 | 22 May 2018 | Success | Submerged | ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' | Fired a salvo of four missiles from submerged position. Tactical and technical characteristics and reliability of the strategic missile submarine ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' and the Bulava missile were confirmed. This was the first time Russia test-launched such number of SLBMs since the Operation Behemoth-2 on 6 August 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ria.ru/defense_safety/20180522/1521111744.html |title="Юрий Долгорукий" успешно запустил четыре "Булавы" |website=ria.ru |date=22 May 2018 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUdIUdouLv0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/VUdIUdouLv0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live |title=Залповый пуск баллистических ракет "Булава" из акватории Белого моря по полигону Кура |website=Russian Defence Ministry |date=22 May 2018 |access-date=24 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 28 | 24 August 2019 | Success | Submerged | ''Yury Dolgorukiy'' | Fired a Bulava missile from the Barents Sea as part of combat training. Warheads hit targets at the Kura Missile Test Range in Kamchatka.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2019/08/24/russia-test-fires-missiles-from-submarines-in-the-barents-sea-a67009 |title=Russia Test Fires Missiles From Submarines in the Barents Sea |website=The Moscow Times |date=24 August 2019 |access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYBjgDCJZlQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/KYBjgDCJZlQ |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live |title=Пуск баллистической ракеты "Булава" с атомной подлодки "Юрий Долгорукий" в Баренцевом море |publisher=Russian Defence Ministry |date=24 August 2019 |access-date=24 August 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 29 | 30 October 2019 | Success | Submerged | ''Knyaz Vladimir'' | Fired a Bulava missile from the White Sea from submerged position as part of submarine trials. Warheads hit targets at the Kura Missile Test Range in Kamchatka.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/10/russias-first-upgraded-borei-class-submarine-test-fires-bulava-ballistic-missile/ |title=Russia's First Upgraded Borei-Class Submarine Test Fires Bulava Ballistic Missile |publisher=The Diplomat |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=2 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PU6NzJNUhDE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/PU6NzJNUhDE |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Подводный крейсер "Князь Владимир" провел испытания ракетного комплекса "Булава" |publisher=Ministry of Defence (Russia) |date=29 October 2019 |access-date=2 November 2019 |language=ru}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 30 | 12 December 2020 | Success | Submerged | ''Vladimir Monomakh'' | Fired a salvo of four missiles from submerged position. Warheads have hit targets at the Chiza Missile Test Range in Kanin peninsula.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tass.com/defense/1234343 |title = Russian Navy nuclear-powered sub makes salvo launch of Bulava missiles}}</ref> |- | 31 | 21 October 2021 | Success | Submerged | ''Knyaz Oleg'' | Fired one missile from submerged position in the White Sea. Warheads have successfully hit targets at the Kura Missile Test Range in Kamchatka.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tass.com/defense/1352231 |title = Knyaz Oleg submarine test-fires Bulava ICBM from White Sea to Kamchatka's Kura range }}</ref> |- | 32 | 3 November 2022 | Success | Submerged | ''Generalissimus Suvorov'' | Fired one missile from submerged position in the White Sea. Warheads have successfully hit targets at the Kura Missile Test Range in Kamchatka.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tass.com/defense/1532287 |title = Russia's nuclear sub successfully tests Bulava missile}}</ref> |- | 33 | 5 November 2023 | Success | Submerged | ''Imperator Aleksandr III'' | Fired one missile from submerged position in the White Sea. Warheads have successfully hit targets at the Kura Missile Test Range in Kamchatka.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tass.com/defense/1701939 |title = Russian submarine completes ballistic missile test firing }}</ref> |- | 34 | 30 October 2024 | Success | | ''Knyaz Oleg'' | Fired one missile from position in the Okhotsk Sea. Warheads have hit targets at the Chiza Missile Test Range in Kanin peninsula.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.korabel.ru/news/comments/v_trenirovke_strategicheskih_sil_rossii_prinyali_uchastie_atomnye_raketonoscy_severnogo_i_tihookeanskogo_flotov.html |title =В тренировке стратегических сил России приняли участие атомные ракетоносцы Северного и Тихоокеанского флотов}}</ref> |- |}

==Service== In October 2010 it was reported that 150-170 operational missiles would be built (124 active + reserve for training and tests).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://flot.com/news/vpk/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=56574 |title=Объем серийного выпуска ракет "Булава" может превысить 150 единиц |publisher=flot.com |date=25 October 2010 |access-date=2011-12-29}}</ref> After the successful launch on 27 June 2011, the Russian government announced the start of serial production of Bulava missiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://flotprom.ru/news/?ELEMENT_ID=80535 |title="Булаву" можно запускать в серийное производство, заявил Сердюков |publisher=flotprom.ru |access-date=2011-12-29}}</ref> On 10 January 2013, Bulava was adopted into experimental service with its lead carrier submarine ''Yuri Dolgorukiy''. It was reported in June 2018 that the missile has been accepted for service by the Russian Navy after its successful test firings conducted in 2018.<ref name="tass">{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/1011538|title=Key facts about Russia's Bulava sea-launched ICBM|date=30 June 2018|website=TASS|access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref> Russian state media reported on 14 May 2024 that the missile officially entered service on 7 May.<ref>{{cite web | title=Russia puts submarine-launched Bulava intercontinental missile into service | website=Reuters | date=2024-05-14 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-puts-submarine-launched-bulava-intercontinental-missile-into-service-2024-05-14/ | ref={{sfnref | Reuters | 2024}} | access-date=2024-05-15}}</ref>

==Operators== ; {{RUS}} * The Russian Navy is the only operator of the RSM-56 Bulava. As of July 2025, 128 missiles were deployed on 8 Borei-class ballistic missile submarines:<ref>{{cite journal|title=Russian nuclear forces, 2020 |journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists |volume=76 |issue=2 |pages=73–84 |last1=Kristensen |first1=Hans M. |last2=Korda |first2=Matt |date=9 March 2020 |doi=10.1080/00963402.2020.1728985 |bibcode=2020BuAtS..76b.102K |doi-access=free }}</ref> ** K-535 {{ship|Russian submarine|Yury Dolgorukiy|K-535|2}} ** K-550 {{ship|Russian submarine|Alexander Nevsky|K-550|2}} ** K-551 {{ship|Russian submarine|Vladimir Monomakh||2}} ** K-549 {{ship|Russian submarine|Knyaz Vladimir||2}} ** K-552 {{ship|Russian submarine|Knyaz Oleg||2}} ** K-553 {{ship|Russian submarine|Generalissimus Suvorov||2}} ** K-554 {{ship|Russian submarine|Imperator Aleksandr III ||2}} ** K-555 {{ship|Russian submarine|Knyaz Pozharskiy||2}}

==Specifications==

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" |+ class="nowrap" | Specifications comparison ! !! Bulava R-30 {{RUS}}!! Trident C4 {{USA}} !! Trident D5 {{USA}} !! M51 (missile) {{FRA}} !! JL-2 {{CHN}} |- | Number of stages || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 |- | Length of assembled missile without front section, m || 11.5 || 10.3 || 13.59 || 12 || 13 |- | Maximum diameter of missile airframe (without stabilizers, raceways, protruding elements), m|| 2 || 1.88 || 2.11 || 2.3 || 2 |- | Launch weight, tonnes || 36.8 || 32.3 || 58.5 || 52 || 42 |- | Total length of missile as a unit with launch canister (with front section), m|| 12.1 || n/a || 13.58 || n/a || n/a |- | Throw weight, kg || 1,150 || 1,500 || 2,800 || n/a || n/a |- | Throw Weight (kg) Per Tonne || 31.25|| 46.44 || 47.86 || n/a || n/a |- | Warhead || 6-10 × 100-150 kt || 8 × 100 kt|| 8 × 475 kt (Mk-5 RV); 14 × 90-100 kt (Mk-4/Mk-4A); ≥1 × 5-7 kt (W76-2) || 6-10 × 100-300 kt || 1 × 1 Mt |- | Operational range, km || 8,000-15,000 || 7,400 || 6,700-12,000 || 8,000-10,000 || 7,200 |- | Accuracy, CEP (meters) || 350 || 229-500 || 100-381 (Mk-4 RV, to be retired)<ref>{{cite journal|title=United States nuclear forces, 2019|journal=Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists|volume=75|issue=3|pages=122–134|last1=Kristensen|first1=Hans M.|last2=Korda|first2=Matt|date=29 April 2019|doi=10.1080/00963402.2019.1606503|bibcode=2019BuAtS..75c.122K|doi-access=free}}</ref> || 150-200 || n/a |- | Navigation || astro-inertial, GLONASS || astro-inertial || astro-inertial, GPS || astro-inertial, Galileo || astro-inertial, BeiDou |- ! In service || 2018–present || 1979 - 2005 || 1990–present || 2010–present || 2015–present |}

==See also== * {{lwc|R-29 Vysota}} * {{lwc|R-29RM Shtil}} * {{lwc|R-29RMU Sineva}} * {{lwc|R-29RMU2 Layner}} * {{lwc|Kanyon}} * {{lwc|UGM-133 Trident II}} * {{lwc|M51 (missile)}} * {{lwc|JL-3}} * {{lwc|K-6 (missile)|K-6}} * {{lwc|Pukguksong-6}} * {{lwc|R-39 Rif}} * {{lwc|R-39M}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Commons category|RSM-56 Bulava}} *[http://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/ss-n-32-bulava/ CSIS Missile Threat - SS-N-32 "Bulava"] *[http://www.janes.com/defence/news/jmr/jmr060511_1_n.shtml Russia's Bulava undergoes fast-track test programme], May 2006. *[https://web.archive.org/web/20070208050141/http://www.dtig.org/docs.asp Technical data] in PDF, DTIG. *[https://web.archive.org/web/20060408203543/http://www.cnews.ru/news/top/index.shtml?2006%2F04%2F06%2F199261 Technical data] from CNews.ru. *[http://warfare.be/?linkid=1715&catid=265 Technical data] from warfare.ru.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rsm-56 Bulava}} Category:Nuclear weapons of Russia Category:Submarine-launched ballistic missiles of Russia Category:Intercontinental ballistic missiles of Russia Category:Votkinsk Machine Building Plant products Category:MIRV capable missiles Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2010s