Russia tests ballistic missile

The ICBM called RS-24 has multiple independently targettable re-entry vehicle MIRV warheads and was launched from a mobile missile system this afternoon.

The new missile will replace two ageing ICBM systems8212;the RS-18 and RS-20, known in the West as the SS-19 Stiletto and SS-18 Satan, respectively.

8220;The missile successfully hit the target 5,500 km away on the far eastern Kamchatka peninsula,8221; a spokesperson for Russian Strategic Missile forces said. The new ICBM met all international requirements in terms of strategic offensive arms reduction and was capable of avoiding missile defence systems, the spokesperson added. He stressed it would enhance Russia8217;s nuclear deterrent potential when deployed.

Alexander Golts, a military analyst was surprise at the news. 8220;It seems to be a brand new missile. It8217;s either a decoy or something that has been developed in complete secrecy,8221; he said.