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.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
