Moscow March 30 (IANS) Russia has conducted a second drop test of its latest heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) the Defence Ministry said on Friday.
The missile Sarmat was test-dropped at the northern Plesetsk spaceport. The ministry said the trial had confirmed its pre-launch and first flight stage characteristics Xinhua news agency reported.
A rare video of the test was released on the social media.
The first launch of this rocket took place in December 2017. It will replace the Soviet-era Satan missile which is approaching the end of its service life.
In his annual address to parliament on March 1 President Vladimir Putin said Russia has begun testing Sarmat which has "practically no range limits" and can penetrate any missile shield.
Sarmat reportedly has a shortened active phase of flight. It has enhanced capabilities to overcome missile defence and is capable of carrying large quantities of ammunition.
--IANS
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