Reports: latest test of Russian ballistic missile Bulava fails in major setback

Reports: test of Russian missile Bulava fails

MOSCOW — News agencies says Russia’s latest test of the advanced ballistic missile Bulava has failed, with the missile self-destructing.

It’s the sixth failure in 10 test launches for the Bulava — a major setback for Russia’s efforts to upgrade its aging missile arsenal.

RIA-Novosti and Interfax cite Defense Ministry officials as saying the missile was fired Wednesday from the submarine Dmitry Donskoi and that the first stage malfunctioned and the missile self-destructed.

A Defense Ministry duty officer said Thursday he could not immediately comment on the report.

Despite the failures, Russian leaders have boasted of the Bulava’s capability to penetrate missile defenses and described it as a key part of the military’s future nuclear arsenal.