Russia tests new nuclear-capable, long-range missile
MOSCOW -- Russia successfully tested a prototype of an upgraded nuclear-capable long-range missile, the Itar-Tass news agency reported on Thursday.
The missile struck a firing range in Kazakhstan's steppe country, as planned. Military spokesmen said the weapon was equipped with new technologies making it capable of overcoming missile defence shields.
The US government was informed of the planned test. The missile was a modernised version of the Topol-M (NATO code: SS-27 Sickle B) system, which fires from a lorry rather than an underground silo.
Russia is currently in disagreement with NATO over a planned missile shield system for the European region. The US-sponsored project could threaten Russia's nuclear deterrent forces and Russia will respond with more effective attack systems, Kremlin officials have said.
