Putin hails multiple launch test of hypersonic missile

President Vladimir Putin yesterday said the Russian military successfully fired a simultaneous salvo of its Zircon hypersonic missiles, calling it "a big event" for the country.

As world powers race to develop advanced weaponry, Russia has carried out a number of successful tests of its Zircon hypersonic cruise missile.

This was however the first time that Russian authorities reported a successful simultaneous launch test of several Zircon missiles.

Speaking at a government meeting on Friday, Putin said that the salvo launch of the missile had been conducted overnight.

"The tests were conducted successfully, immaculately," Putin said in televised remarks.

"This is a big event in the life of the country and a considerable step in strengthening Russia's security and improving its defence capability," he added.

A spokesman for the Russian defence ministry could not provide further details when reached by AFP.