Russia has successfully test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile with an enhanced capability to penetrate missile defences, according to a military spokesman.
The first launch of the new missile was performed today at the Plesetsk launchpad in northern Russia, defence ministry spokesman Vadim Koval said.
He did not give the name of the missile but said it was fired from a mobile launcher. Mr Koval said the missile's practice warhead reached a designated target at a range on the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula.
He added that the new missile will boost Russia's military potential thanks to its improved ability to penetrate missile defences. Russia has called the planned US-led Nato missile defence system around Europe as a potential threat to its nuclear forces.
The launch took place at the Plesetsk launchpad in northern Russia
Nato has said it wants to co-operate with Russia on the missile shield, but has rejected Moscow's proposal to run it jointly.
Without a Nato-Russia co-operation deal, the Kremlin has sought guarantees from the US that any future missile defence is not aimed at Russia and threatened to take military counter-measures if no deal is reached.
The military also said it had commissioned a new early warning radar. The Voronezh-M-type facility in Irkutsk has an improved range compared with older radars.
The military's Aerospace Defence Forces chief, Lieutenant General Oleg Ostapenko, praised its efficiency on a visit to the facility today, saying it would significantly enhance the military's capability to monitor missile launches.
AP