Putin himself just test-launched a nuclear-capable missile designed to beat US defenses

REUTERS/ITAR-TASS/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE

Russian President Putin watches the launch of a missile during naval exercises in Russia's Arctic North on board the nuclear missile cruiser Pyotr Veliky (Peter the Great), Aug. 17, 2005

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently oversaw the launch of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles and apparently pulled the trigger on four of them himself, the Associated Press reports.

The large-scale military drill exercised Russia's land, air, and sea-based nuclear capability with test launches from submarines, supersonic bombers, and a launch pad.

"The goal of the launch was to test advanced ballistic missile warheads," a Russian defense ministry spokesman said. And the missiles, as well as the warheads, were very advanced.

Not only does the land-based missile boast a range of over 6,000 miles, enough to hit anywhere in the US with hundreds of kilotons of explosive force, but it has been tailor-made to evade US missile defenses.

Russian media reports that the Yars ICBM tested by Russia flies in a jagged pattern to evade missile defenses. Once the missile breaks up, it carries multiple reentry vehicles and countermeasures to confuse and overwhelm missile defenses.

Russia Insider via YouTube

Even in test conditions, US missile defenses struggle to intercept ICBMs, but the US doesn't even stock a sufficient number of interceptors to repel a Russian attack.

Russia's ministry of defense reported that all missiles hit their targets. Russia last launched the Yars in September during a massive military drill near its border with Eastern Europe.

Watch the ICBM launch below.