Russia concluded flight testing of its new Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile, reported Voice of America. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday the new three-staged system is now ready to enter service in the country’s strategic nuclear forces after the successful salvo launch of two Bulava missiles on Dec. 23 from the Borey-class submarine Yuri Dolguruky. That test was the 18th and 19th firing of the Bulava, which had a mixed record of success in flight testing, reported RIA Novosti news agency.
Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo Jr. assumed leadership of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, succeeding Navy Adm. John Aquilino at a change of command ceremony, urging action amid China's “increasing intrusive and expansionist claims,” on May 3