Russia has started the construction of the...
Monomakh, are in different stages of completion. Russia is planning to build eight of these subs by 2015.Fourth-generation Borey-class nuclear-powered submarines are expected to constitute the core of Russia"s modern strategic submarine fleet.
The submarine"s entry into service could be delayed however by a series of setbacks in the development of the troubled Bulava missile, which has officially suffered seven failures in 12 tests.
Some analysts suggest that in reality the number of failures was considerably larger. For example, according to Russian military expert Pavel Felgenhauer, of the Bulava"s 12 test launches, only one was entirely successful.
The future development of the Bulava has been questioned by some lawmakers and defense industry officials, who have suggested that all efforts should be focused on the existing Sineva SLBM.
But the Russian military has insisted that there is no alternative to the Bulava and pledged to continue
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