Moscow - The test-fire of a new Russian submarine-based missile, designed to overcome missile-defence systems, failed, a source in the military-industrial complex told news agency Interfax.

"After the launch from the nuclear-powered submarine Dmitry Donskoy, the missile self-liquidated and exploded in the air," the source was quoted as saying.

He said the command was given for the missile to self-destruct after it went off course. Two earlier launches Tuesday were successful, he said.

Navy spokesman Igor Dygalo confirmed the test firing of the Bulava missiles had been staged out of Russia's White Sea port of Severomorsk, but did not comment on the launch failure.

He said the results of the launch were being analysed.

Russia plans to modernizes its arsenal with the Bulava, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads and reaching 8,000 kilometres.

But more than half of the launches have failed since the warhead was announced in December 2005.

Interfax said Tuesday marked the fifth unsuccessful test fire out of eight previous launches.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said the missile would become a key component of Russia's strategic missile forces.

Russia plans for the sea-based Bulava and the ground-based Topol-M rocket to arm its military amid a broad drive to re-equip and reform its armed forces over the next three years. (dpa)