President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia successfully conducted a salvo launch of Tsirkon hypersonic missiles early Friday morning.

"This is our latest missile, which can hit both naval and ground targets. The tests were carried out successfully, flawlessly. This is a great event for the country and a significant step aimed at enhancing Russia's security and improving its defense capabilities," RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing the president at a joint meeting of the State Council and the Council on Science and Education.

The Russian leader congratulated and thanked the developers, engineers and designers who worked on the hypersonic missile system. Putin had stated in November that the missile tests were nearing completion, enabling naval deployment next year.