Russian Navy to continue drill launches of SLBM Sineva in 2011

Along with flight development tests of submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) Bulava, Russian Navy will continue drill launches of RSM-54 Sineva missile, reported RIA Novosti on Monday citing a top-ranking source in defense ministry.

"Resuming of SLBM Sineva drill launches proceeds from the demand to keep naval strategic nuclear forces at required operability level", said the interviewee. 

As for him, preparations for coming SLBM Bulava test launch are also in progress. "They [tests] will be resumed when weather conditions and ice situation in the White Sea becomes better. According to our appraisals, this will be possible no earlier than in June", underlined the source. 

He expressed confidence that the newest missile system Bulava would be commissioned in the end of 2011. "At least the missile's flight tests schedule provides this", pointed out the source.

Iran mass producing new anti-ship missiles

Iran is mass producing a new ballistic missile which can travel at more than three times the speed of sound and hit targets on the high seas, top commanders said on Monday.

Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari, who heads the elite military force, the Revolutionary Guards, said the missile -- named "Persian Gulf" -- had a range of 300 kilometres (185 miles).

"Iran is mass producing a smart ballistic missile for sea targets with a speed three times more than the speed of sound," state news agency IRNA quoted Jafari as saying about the new missile.

He said the missile was "undetectable and can't be neutralised by enemies," without specifying thename. "It has very high precision in destroying targets," Jafari added.