Explained: What is Bulava nuclear missile test-fired by Russia and why the timing matters

Russia has test-fired its nuclear-capable Bulava ballistic missile and the missile reportedly hit its aimed target at Cape Kanin. Kremlin issued a statement that the missile, launched from a submerged submarine in the Sea of Okhotsk, reportedly struck its designated target at Cape Kanin in northern Russia on Wednesday (October 28).

While the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the missile's warheads reached the Chizha test range in the Arkhangelsk region within the scheduled time, these claims of the successful strike have not been verified by independent international media. Kremlin described the exercise as “routine combat training”.

Testing the Bulava missile comes at a time when the war between Russia and Ukraine shows no signs of de-escalation. While Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing renewed calls to end hostilities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been asserting that Kyiv’s frontline positions are “stronger than they have been in a long time”.

What is the Bulava missile and how powerful is it?

The RSM-56 Bulava is one of Russia's principal submarine-launched ballistic missiles and forms part of its nuclear deterrent. It has a range exceeding 8,000 kilometres, putting targets thousands of kilometres away within reach.

The missile measures roughly 12 metres and can carry multiple nuclear warheads. Unlike a missile carrying a single warhead, the Bulava can release several warheads towards separate targets during the same flight.

Its importance, however, goes beyond its destructive capacity. Nuclear submarines can remain concealed underwater for extended periods, making them difficult to locate and destroy.

This gives Russia what military planners call a second-strike capability: the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons even after suffering an attack on its own nuclear forces.

Which submarine launched the Bulava?

The missile was fired by the Generalissimo Suvorov, a Borei-A-class nuclear-powered submarine belonging to Russia's Pacific Fleet. Commissioned in 2022, the submarine can carry 16 Bulava missiles. These vessels are gradually replacing older Soviet-era submarines as part of Moscow's efforts to modernise its strategic nuclear forces.

The submarine previously tested a Bulava missile in November 2022, firing from the White Sea towards the Kamchatka Peninsula. The vessel belongs to Russia's Pacific Fleet and can carry 16 Bulava missiles. It previously tested the weapon in November 2022, when it fired from the White Sea towards the Kura range in Kamchatka.

Russia has been gradually replacing its older Soviet-era nuclear submarines with Borei-class vessels.

How does the Bulava compare with Western nuclear missiles?

Russia's Bulava has two major Western counterparts: the Trident II, used by the United States and Britain, and France's M51 missile. All three are launched from submarines, can travel thousands of kilometres and carry multiple nuclear warheads capable of striking different targets.

The main differences lie in their range, payload and design. The American-made Trident II can travel over 12,000 kilometres, compared with the Bulava's roughly 8,000 to 9,000 kilometres. France's M51 has a range of around 10,000 kilometres, depending on its version and payload. The Trident II is also heavier and can carry a larger payload. The Bulava, meanwhile, is designed to be comparatively lighter and uses countermeasures intended to make interception difficult.

Put simply, the Trident II can generally reach farther and carry more, while the Bulava remains capable of delivering several nuclear warheads across continents. All three serve the same fundamental purpose: to ensure their countries can retaliate with nuclear weapons even after coming under attack.

Why now?

The timing has drawn attention because of recent geopolitical developments, especially in Europe and the United States.

The launch came a day after Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke with Putin, urging de-escalation in Ukraine. It also coincided with the United States conducting its annual Global Thunder nuclear command-and-control exercise. A US B-52 strategic bomber flew towards northern Europe, accompanied by British and Norwegian fighter aircraft.

Although Washington, D.C., maintains that the exercise is not directed against any particular country, the overlapping military activities underline the continuing tensions between Russia and NATO. The Trump administration, however, maintains that the response cannot be linked to any particular conflict.

Does the launch signal an escalation?

Not necessarily. Nuclear powers routinely test ballistic missiles to check the reliability of their weapons and maintain crew readiness.

But such launches also have political significance. For Russia, demonstrating that its submarines can launch missiles across vast distances reinforces the credibility of its nuclear deterrent.

The test does not, by itself, establish that Moscow intends to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. It nevertheless comes at a time when the conflict continues to strain relations between Russia and Western governments.