Russia tests new intercontinental ballistic missile

Russia today successfully test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads - the weapon intended to replace ageing Soviet-built missiles.

The RS-24 missile was launched from the Plesetsk facility in northern Russia and its warheads successfully hit designated targets on the Kura testing range on the Kamchatka Peninsula some 7,000km (4,340 miles) east, Strategic Missile Forces spokesman Alexander Vovk said.

Vovk said the missile carried multiple test warheads, but refused to say how many.

The Interfax news agency said it was capable of carrying at least three warheads.