Russia successfully tests new ballistic missile

A prototype of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has been successfully tested on Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The test launch was carried out from a mobile launch pad at the Kapustin Yar testing range in the Astrakhan region. It was intended to check the safety of the launch procedures and equipment and to confirm technical characteristics of the ICBM.

"The test launch was a success as the warhead hit a designated target within the set time frame," according to the statement issued by the Russian Defense Ministry.

Russia announced the development of a new solid-fuel ICBM, which will eventually replace the existing Topol-M and Yars missiles, in 2012, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

The Russian Strategic Missile Forces currently operates at least 58 silo-based SS-18 Satan ballistic missiles, 160 road-mobile Topol (SS-25 Sickle) missile systems, 50 silo-based and 18 road-mobile Topol-M (SS-27 Sickle B) systems, and 18 RS-24 Yars systems.

RTBH