Russia has test-fired nuclear missiles from land, sea and air as it simulated a “massive” response to an attack from the West.

Vladimir Putin also warned that Russia would respond to any attack with “overwhelming” nuclear firepower as this was its “ultimate” security.

“Taking into account growing geopolitical tensions and emerging new threats and risks, it’s important for us to have modern strategic forces that are always ready for combat,” the president said.

News agencies linked to the Kremlin said that the Russian military test-fired a Yars nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk launchpad at the Kura testing range on the Kamchatka peninsula.

The Yars missile was developed in secret in 2007. It is a thermonuclear missile that can be armed with four warheads that are individually programmed to strike different targets.