Russia Tests Nuclear-Capable ICBM in Strategic Forces Exercise

Russia successfully test-fired a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile on August 28, 2026, as part of a coordinated exercise involving all three components of its strategic nuclear forces. The launch, conducted from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region, sent a mobile-based solid-fuel ICBM on a trajectory of more than 6,700 kilometers to the Kura test range on the Kamchatka Peninsula.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the test on August 29, stating that all assigned tasks were completed in full and the missile maintained a flawless trajectory. The ministry did not publicly identify the specific missile model, but the launch was part of a broader exercise overseen by President Vladimir Putin via video link from the Kremlin. The exercise included the launch of a Sineva submarine-launched ballistic missile and cruise missiles from strategic bombers, demonstrating the readiness of Russia's nuclear triad.

According to the ministry, the Strategic Missile Forces practiced deploying a mobile launcher battery to a remote area, preparing for launch, and executing the test. The primary goal was to confirm the tactical, technical, and flight characteristics of...