Russia tests new nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile

The Russian military has tested its latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) ‘Sarmat’ which is intended to replace the Soviet-designed Voyevoda from Plesetsk in northwestern Russia.

The Defence Ministry said Friday's launch tested the Sarmat missile's performance in the early stage of its flight. The Voyevoda is the world's heaviest ICBM known as "Satan" in the West.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month that Sarmat weighs 200 metric tons and has a higher range than Satan, reports AP.

Putin said he is allowing the ICBM to fly over the North or the South Poles and strike targets anywhere in the world.

Sarmat also carries a bigger number of nuclear warheads, which are more powerful than the ones on Satan, he added.

Putin also said Sarmat could carry an array of warheads capable of dodging missile defences.