Russia could drastically increase the number...

"There may be many more than two launches," the source said, commenting on some media reports which said only two Bulava launches were planned for 2010.

The latest launch of the missile, which Russia hopes will be a key element of its nuclear forces, from the Dmitry Donskoy nuclear submarine in the White Sea ended in failure in early December 2009. Only five of 12 Bulava launches have been officially reported as being successful.

Though he said there was an adequate reserve of missiles for several test launches, the first tests this year are unlikely to take place before late May.

"With the White Sea iced over during the severely cold winter, the first launches of Bulava missiles are planned to take place in late May or early June, when ice packs start drifting," the source said.

The further development of the Bulava has been questioned by some lawmakers and defense industry experts, who have suggested that all efforts should be focused on the existing

Pages: [1] 2