Russia has test-fired a Topol intercontinental missile from Kapustin Yar firing range in southern Russia.

The Topol has a maximum range of 10,000 kilometres and can carry one 550-kiloton nuclear warhead.

Rocket force officials confirmed the test was part of a trial of new equipment that can pierce anti-missile defences.

Moscow has recently been keen to show its military might with engineering that can defeat U.S weapon shields.

The launch of the latest Russian missile has comes amid U.S plans for a missile defence shield in Europe, which Russian President Vladimir Putin has said would threaten Russian interests.