Russia test-launches new intercontinental ballistic missile

The Russian space Forces said that Russia had test-launched new intercontinental ballistic missile Tuesday capable of carrying multiple independent warheads.

The missile, called the RS-24, had not yet reached its designated target, a space forces spokesman said, declining to give further information.

Russian news reports said the missile is seen as eventually replacing the aging RS-18s and RS-20s that are the backbone of the country's missile forces.

The RIA-Novosti news agency cited an unnamed representative of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces as saying that the Rs-24 conforms with terms laid down in the START-I treaty and the 2002 U.S.-Russia treaty that calls for reducing each country's nuclear arsenal to 1,700-2,000 warheads.