Russia successfully test-launched a PC-12M Topol intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk cosmodrome on Friday, Russian news agencies reported citing the Strategic Rocket Forces.

"The dummy warhead has hit a designated target at the Kura testing grounds on the Kamchatka peninsula with the desired precision," the RIA Novosti quoted Alexander Vovk, aide to the commander of the Strategic Rocket Forces as saying.

The launch has allowed the extension of Topol's service life to 22 years, he added.

"The launch has been conducted under a program to extend the operating life of Topol missile systems. Its purpose is to confirm the stability of the main flight and technical characteristics of the missile systems during the extension of their operating life," Interfax cited the spokesman as saying.

The missile was jointly launched by the Strategic Rocket Forces and the Space Forces, he said.

Produced in 1987, the launched missile remained on combat duty until August 2007.

The Topol missile system, featured by high maneuverability and quick readiness to launch, is the foundation of the Strategic Rocket Forces group.

(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2009)