It seems like something out of the Cold War – and in some ways, it is. However, it's not entirely a surprise in defense circles. Since December 2001, there have been reports that Russia is looking at modernizing its nuclear forces with weapons that would have the range of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), yet would be able to dodge radar and avoid any anti-ballistic missile defenses.

Now, Russia is saying that just such a weapon has been constructed and flight tested.

"I remember vividly when we announced that we were developing such a weapon, even highly qualified specialists told me that, yes, it was a good and worthy goal, but unrealizable in the near future," said Putin. "This was the opinion of specialists, I repeat, highly qualified. And now the decisive tests have been completed. Much work remains to be done to put these weapons on combat alert, of course; all the regulations must be followed. Nevertheless, as far as I understand, the key objectives have now been achieved."