MOSCOW, November 9 (RIA Novosti) - Russia has tested an RS-18 (SS-19 Stiletto) intercontinental ballistic missile by launching it from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, the Missile Forces said Thursday.
Russian Missile Forces regularly launch missiles to test their performance characteristics and decide whether they can remain in service.
"At 14.35 Moscow time [11.35 GMT], the RS-18 missile was successfully launched," the Missile Forces press service said.
The main performance characteristics of the missile make it possible to extend its service life to 30 years, the press service said.
RS-18 ICBMs have been in service for 28 years. Last year's test launch led to the missile's service life being extended to 29 years.
Following numerous test launches, RS-18 missiles are considered to have high reliability. About 360 silo-based Stiletto missiles are currently in operation in the Russian Strategic Missile Forces, with each missile carrying six warheads.
