Russia tests new nuclear ICBM

MOSCOW, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Russia announced Wednesday it had conducted a test launch of its next-generation intercontinental nuclear missile.

The RS-24 ballistic missile was launched from the Plesetsk space center in northwestern Russia and struck its target in far-off Kamchatka, the Russian Strategic Missile Forces said in a written statement.

The RS-24 carries multiple warheads and is scheduled for deployment next year as the current SS-18 and SS-19 are phased out.

The RIA Novosti said the latest launch was aimed at gathering technical data on the missile's performance. The ICBM was tested twice last year.