It may be that Russia is aggressively pursuing Bulava alternatives. The Sineva project has re-armed almost all the 667BDRM subs. Now it seems there is a new project, for an SLBM titled Liner. It was tested May 20th, and successfully struck targets on Kura polygon.
Lenta.ru: Îðóæèå: Çàïóùåííàÿ ÂÌÔ ÐÔ "Ñèíåâà" îêàçàëàñü "Ëàéíåðîì"
It's likely that this is another upgrade of the Sineva, as the Sineva itself was an upgrade of the R-29. The question is what this upgrade amounts to. The Sineva program itself was not an alternative to the Bulava, but rather a form of insurance that, together with the overhaul, would allow the 667BDRM to remain in service even if the Bulava project is delayed. However will the entire fleet be overhauled and re-armed again with the Liner? This seems unlikely given how recently the Sineva re-armament has commenced. So what is the Liner then? A long-term program to replace the Sineva while leaving the 667BRDM in service? Or a liquid fueled missile for a perspective type of new ballistic sub? Again unlikely, given that the 667BDRM was used as the test platform without substantial modification.
It seems possible, though again not likely, that it's an alternative to the Bulava. So, guesses? Thoughts?