Russia has successfully test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile as part of efforts to extend the lifetime of the soviet-built missile.

The 31-year-old RS-18 strategic missile, which NATO calls SS-19 Stiletto, was launched from the Baikonur space base in Kazakhstan.

"The launch was carried out in accordance with a program to prolong the lifetime of the RS-18 strategic missiles," a spokesman for strategic missile forces Alexander Vovk was quoted by Rusisa's Interfax news agency as saying.

Vovk said the test confirmed that the RS-18 strategic missile is highly reliable and will remain on combat duty beyond 2010.

The first RS-18 missile came into service in 1975. It is 24 meters (79 feet) long, with a diameter of 2.5 meters; it has a combat range exceeding 9,600 km (6,000 miles) and can be equipped with up to six warheads.

Moscow regularly launches missiles to test their reliability and decide whether they can remain in service, but in recent months Russia has stepped up test firing of missiles in response to US plans to build missile defense shield in Europe.

Russia strongly opposes the US planned missile shield, saying the installations will pose a grave threat to its security, as the relations between Moscow and Washington have strained over issues such as Kosovo's independence and the Caucasus conflict.

The recent developments between Russia and the US are viewed by many as signs of another Cold War. Russian and American officials, however, have rejected such claims.

HE/MMN