The Air and Space Forces conducted a successful test launch of a "new modernized interceptor of the Russian missile defense system" at the Sary-Shagan test site. According to a VKS spokesman, the new interceptor has better accuracy and range and extended service life.

The test probably took place on February 11, 2018. It is either a second or a third test of the "new modernized interceptor." The first may have taken place in June 2017 and the other one in November 2017. The interceptor appears to be an upgrade of the 53T6/Gazelle missile that is currently deployed with the Moscow missile defense.

[The post is updated to reflect the fact that the June 2017 launch may have been a test of the old interceptor.]