(Reuters) – Russia has successfully tested a hypersonic Zircon cruise ballistic missile from a distance of approximately 1,000km (625 miles), according to the defense ministry.

According to the ministry, the missile was launched from the Barents Sea. It hit a White Sea target. The ministry released video showing the missile firing from a ship, and then blazing up into the sky in a steep trajectory.

The Zircon is part of an unrivalled new generation of arms systems, President Vladimir Putin said. The speed of hypersonic weapons is nine times faster than sound. Russia conducted test launches of the Zircon in previous years from submarines and warships.

Russia’s military sustained heavy losses during the three month invasion of Ukraine. It calls this a “special operations”. However, Russia has maintained high-profile weapons testing to demonstrate its superior missile technology.

The Sarmat is a brand new intercontinental nuclear missile capable of carrying 10 warheads each and hitting the United States. It was launched last month.