The Russian Strategic Missile Forces (RVSN) have tested advanced combat equipment during a launch of the Topol missile from a firing range in Russia. The results of the tests will be used to develop means to break effectively anti-missile defense systems, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD).

Mobile launcher unit of Topol ICBM InterContinental Ballistic Misssile at Army-2017 International Military Technical Forum near Moscow, Russia. (Picture source Army Recognition)

"On December 26, an operational crew of the Strategic Missile Forces conducted a test launch of the RS-12M Topol intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from the Kapustin Yar state central inter-service range in Astrakhan Region," the Ministry said in a statement.

The military pointed out that the test of the advanced combat equipment of ICBMs was the main objective of the launch. "The experimental data have been gathered. [The information] will be used to develop effective means to break anti-missile defense systems and to equip advanced Russian ballistic missiles with them," the MoD added.

The test tracks and the measuring complex of the Kapustin Yar test range allow testing of advanced combat equipment that can break anti-missile defense systems, the military pointed out.

The RT-2PM Topol, NATO reporting name: SS-25 Sickle, is a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile designed in the Soviet Union and in service with Russia's Strategic Rocket Forces. The SS-25 is an intercontinental-range, road mobile, solid propellant ballistic missile system.

The missile entered service in 1999, with 288 missiles deployed at nine sites by 1991. The SS-25 delivers a payload of 1,000 kg up to a range of 10,000 km (6,214 miles). This payload is equipped with a single 550 kT warhead and probably decoys as well. The system uses a digital computer controlled inertial navigation system which provides an accuracy of 200 m CEP.