The U.S. Navy’s critical Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program is facing significant delays and cost overruns. -The lead boat, USS District of Columbia, is now expected 17 months behind schedule,

South Korea Launches Advanced Jang Yeong-sil Submarine With 10 SLBMs Key Officials Absent From Ceremony Amid Political Considerations

The following is the first summary of major stories moved by Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday. ■ (LEAD) N. Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward East Sea: JCS

The continued extension of the Minuteman III system calls for a rethinking of the venerable US strategic nuclear triad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed drills of the country’s strategic nuclear forces that featured practice missile launches.

The Sineva missile (R-29RMU2) is a 3rd generation submarine-launched ballistic missile. It was adopted into service with Russian forces on July 9, 2007. Its declared maximum range, according to information from open sources, is up to 11,000 km.

President Vladimir Putin supervised Russia’s large-scale nuclear readiness drill involving missile launches from land, sea, and air. The exercise tested command preparedness as NATO simultaneously conducted its own annual nuclear drills in Europe.

Cmdr. Robert Moreno was relieved as commanding officer of the USS Wyoming’s Blue Crew on Oct. 8. The Navy has not said why he was fired other than a "loss of confidence."

Thus far, only Russia, the US, China, and possibly North Korea had the capability of launching long range ballistic missiles from rail-based platforms. India now joins this club.