Russia says it has successfully test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that the newly-designed RS-12M Topol had been tested a day earlier.
“On December 26, 2017, a combat team of the Strategic Missile Force test-fired an RS-12M Topol intercontinental ballistic missile from the Kapustin Yar state central combined arms training range in the Astrakhan Region,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.
The launch was aimed at testing “perspective armament for intercontinental ballistic missiles.”
“During the tests, specialists obtained experimental data that will be used in the interests of developing effective means of overcoming anti-ballistic missile defense and equipping the perspective grouping of Russian ballistic missiles with them,” the ministry added.
The testing of the new missile comes as tensions between the US and Russia have recently increased, including over a Cold War-era missile treaty.
On December 18, US President Donald Trump unveiled his “national security strategy,” declaring Russia as a threat to America.
“China and Russia challenge American power, influence and interests, attempting to erode American security and prosperity,” Trump said back then.
Russian President Vladimir Putin later criticized Trump’s strategy as both “offensive” and “aggressive.”
Russia “should take into account” the “America First” strategy, Putin said, referring to Trump’s campaign rhetoric.
“Russia has a sovereign right and all possibilities to adequately and in due time react to such potential threats,” the Russian president said.