Russia's new super missile????

MOSCOW (AP) -- A senior Russian official says a new strategic and tactical missile that Russia tested Tuesday can penetrate western missile defenses. The official is quoted as saying that Russia "can be calm" because the missiles are "capable of overcoming any existing or future missile defense systems."

Russia test-launched the new intercontinental ballistic missile that the Russian Strategic Missile Forces say is capable of carrying multiple independent warheads. The missile, apparently developed secretly, would modernize Russia's stockpile at a time of rising tensions with the West.

A statement from the forces says the missile is seen as an eventual replacement for two other missiles that are the backbone of the country's missile forces. Russian officials say it complies with terms set forth in two treaties that call for reducing the number of nuclear warheads from 2,000 to 1,700.

The missile was fired from a mobile launcher in northwestern Russia, and its test warhead landed on target about 3,400 miles away.

One military analyst expressed surprise at the test launch. He believes the missile is either a decoy or something that was developed in complete secrecy.