The salvo launch of Bulava solid-propellant ballistic missiles from the Sea of Okhotsk in 2020 shocked Russia's potential adversaries. This opinion was expressed by Yuri Solomonov, General Designer of the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (MIT, a research enterprise that is part of the Russian defense industry complex).
Yes, it was a very serious shock.
The nuclear submarine Vladimir Monomakh (Project 995 Borei) launched four Bulava missiles. The warheads of the missiles reached the Chizha training ground in the Arkhangelsk region.
In 2014, Vladimir Monomakh performed a single launch of Bulava in the White Sea to the Kura training ground. The launch video was published by the press service of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
About Bulava
The missile was developed at the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology. Yuri Solomonov personally supervised this project.
Bulava is capable of carrying 6 independently targetable warheads weighing up to 150 kg each. The missile, which was put into service in 2024, strengthened the country's nuclear triad.
Bulava Characteristics:
- Maximum range — 9300 km
- Circular Error Probable (CEP) — up to 350 m
- Launch weight — 36.8 t
- Launch container length — 12.1 m
- Container diameter — 2.1 m
- First stage diameter — 2.0 m
The Creator of Russia's Nuclear Shield is 80 Years Old!
Yuri Solomonov is an outstanding Soviet designer, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Hero of Russia. Under his leadership, the strategic missile system with intercontinental ballistic missiles Yars and the strategic missile system with the intercontinental ballistic missile Topol-M were also created.
On October 3, 2025, Solomonov turned 80 years old. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to the designer, highly appreciating his professional merits.
You have made a great contribution to strengthening the defense capability and security of our country.
The head of state also noted Solomonov's pedagogical work. He became a mentor to a whole galaxy of young researchers.
Read more on the topic:
- Manufacturer of Topol-M and Bulava intercontinental missiles to introduce a new equipment monitoring system
- Bulava: How the naval component of Russia's nuclear triad reached a new level
- The world's largest strategic submarine Dmitry Donskoy with Bulava missiles will receive a new purpose
