Russia tests secret missile after Nato shield launched

[Gerald]

A new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) so secret it has no name yet has been successfully tested in Russia, the defence ministry says.

The new weapon is designed to penetrate Nato's European missile defence shield shield, Russian defence sources told the Interfax news agency.

The test came days after Nato said its system had reached "interim operational capability".

The missile carried a dummy warhead and was fired 6,000km (3,730 miles).

It was reportedly the second test of the missile, the first in September having failed.

The test came days after Nato activated its new missile shield in Europe.

The alliance announced the new ballistic missile defence system had reached "interim operational capability".

Moscow has accused Nato of seeking to undermine its nuclear deterrent but the alliance says its shield is aimed at potential rogue states like Iran.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18172726

Note: 23 May 2012 Last updated at 12:44 GMT