Russia’s new nuclear-powered submarine, Imperator Alexander III, accomplished a successful test launch of the Bulava ballistic missile. The missile is specifically designed to carry nuclear warheads and was launched from an underwater position in the White Sea. It precisely hit a target on the Kamchatka peninsula, located thousands of kilometres away in the Russian Far East. President Vladimir Putin has been emphasizing the need for Russia to maintain its nuclear deterrent amid escalating security threats and strained relations with the West. The Borei class strategic-missile cruiser is equipped with Bulava missiles and modern torpedo weapons. During the ceremony in December, Putin played a prominent role in setting the Imperator Alexander III afloat.