Russia plans to test-fire missiles capable to carry nuclear warheads, in its largest such test in a quarter of a century, Germany's Deutsche Welle (DW) reported Sunday.
The Russian navy plans to dispatch two new Borei-class submarines to the Arctic to launch the missiles, DW reported, citing Germany's Bild newspaper. The launch may involve up to 16 missiles fired simultaneously, the report said.
Russia's pro-Kremlin daily Izvestia reported on March 2 that the country's Northern Fleet plans to “test the combat-readiness of nuclear deterrent forces.” The test would involve two of Russia's newest strategic submarines — the Yury Dolgoruky and the Vladimir Monomakh — one of which is to launch Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to pro-Kremlin Izvestia newspaper.
Despite the official claim, the planned exercise is reportedly intended to show Russia's nuclear might to the United States, DW said.