Liner missile won't substitute Bulava – source

(Rusnavy) : Liquid-fueled missile Liner is modernized version of SLBM Sineva (RSM-54) currently in service at Russian Navy, and it is incorrect to compare this missile with solid-propellant SLBM Bulava (RSM-56), reported RIA Novosti on Aug 9 referring to a high-ranking official from Russian defense ministry.

That was his comment on reports of some Russian media agencies about creation of new missile Liner which is allegedly twice as powerful as SLBM Bulava.

"Indeed, Sineva has greater power and flight range than Bulava, but Russia's strategy implies development of solid-propellant missiles for the Navy", said the interviewee.

However, Russian Navy still needs liquid-fueled missiles, he added.

"Our Project 667BDRM strategic nuclear-powered subs are still operable and armed with Sineva ballistic missiles. So, further modernization of such missiles under Liner project will let those subs stay in service for many years till complete rearmament with Project 955 Borei submarines", explained the spokesman for defense ministry.

Northern Fleet (NF) nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Yekaterinburg (Project 667BDRM) on May 20 successfully carried out the first launch of ballistic missile under Liner program.

According to Makeyev State Rocket Center, the missile tests are going on effectively under two programs – Arbalet and Liner. Flight tests under Liner project started in 2001 in accordance with state defense order. As for Makeyev State Rocket Center, Liner missile outclasses all present solid-propellant ballistic missiles of Great Britain, China, Russia, the US, and France as of weight-to-thrust ratio, and is compared to American Trident-II (meeting START-3 requirements) as of combat load (four middle-power warheads).

Liner missile is capable to carry 1.5-2 times as much low-power warheads as Bulava which can be armed with six low-power warheads. Besides, Liner may carry mixed set of warheads with different power classes.

"Thanks to missile systems Sineva and Liner, northwest force of Project 667BDRM submarines can be in service…till 2025-2030. And multiple combat load makes possible to react on changes in politico-military situation promptly", points out Makeyev State Rocket Center.