Russia test fires strategic missile: navy

Moscow: Russia on Friday successfully test fired a strategic missile from a nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea, hitting a target on the far eastern Kamchatka peninsula, a navy official told AFP.

"The missile head section, launched from the Barents Sea, reached its target at the Kura exercise ground in Kamchatka," said Igor Dygalo, an officer at Russia's naval command centre.

He said the missile was launched from the submarine Ryazan, which was submerged at the time, but did not specify the type of missile.

Russia has been trying to demonstrate renewed military strength in recent years, notably through spending on missile programmes and the restoration of long-distance Cold War-style bomber flights.