Russia's New Nuclear Submarine Successfully Tests Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Amid Rising Tensions

Test launch of Bulava missile from Imperator Alexander III submarine is a significant step in Russia's plans to rebuild its nuclear and conventional forces, amid worsening relations with the West and ongoing tensions in Ukraine.

Russia's new strategic nuclear submarine, the Imperator Alexander III, successfully tested a Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile which is designed to carry up to six nuclear warheads.
The test launch of the missile, which included an underwater position firing in the White Sea off Russia’s northern coast, ended with the missile hitting a target on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East.
Firing a ballistic missile marks the final phase of state tests, after which a decision about the submarine's acceptance into the Navy will be made. The Imperator Alexander III is the seventh of Russia's Project 955 Borei (Arctic Wind) class nuclear submarines.
Russia's ratification revocation of a global nuclear test ban is cited as a move needed to match the United States, exacerbating tensions with the West and in Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin, in power since 1999, has increased military spending and sought to rebuild Russia's nuclear and conventional forces following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
Three more Borei-class submarines, carrying 16 Bulava missiles each, are in the process of being built. This is part of Russia's plan to have 10 to 12 Borei-class submarines distributed between the Northern and Pacific fleets.

South China Morning Post