On 17 February 2004, Novomoskovsk seemingly attempted to test-fire a SS-N-23 ballistic missile, but the missile failed to come out of its silo because of an unspecified technical problem. The Russian Navy, despite earlier statements describing the test, explained that no "physical" launch was intended at all: the exercise was supposed to be a simulation. President of Russia Vladimir Putin was aboard Arkhangelsk, an Akula-class ballistic missile submarine (NATO reporting name "Typhoon"), to observe the exercise.
On 17 March 2004, Novomoskovsk physically test-fired two SS-N-23 ballistic missiles, successfully hitting designated practice targets on the Kamchatka Peninsula.
TK-17 Arkhangelsk: "Phone call from the President."
Putin: "Do it over, bastard!"
K-407 Novomoskovsk: "What? Without the renewal of SS-N-23 missiles?"
Putin: "Of course, dullhead! Do you want to count trees in Siberia?"From the President.
