Russia reported on Friday that an intercontinental hypersonic weapon that it has been working on for years is now operational.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich PutinFormer GOP lawmakers on endorsing Biden: Trump is no Republican, 'lacks basic self-control' Watchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Former intelligence agency director Robert Cardillo speaks out against 'erratic' Trump MORE that the weapon had entered combat duty, according to The Associated Press.

Shoigu later congratulated top Russian military brass on the "landmark event for the military and the entire nation” during a conference call, according to the report.

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The missile is equipped with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, which was first introduced by Putin in his state-of-the-nation address in March 2018.

During the speech, Putin cited the weapon system's ability to mark tight maneuvers, saying "it heads to target like a meteorite, like a fireball."

Development of the hypersonic weapon began after Putin claimed the U.S. efforts to develop a new missile defense system would handicap Russia's nuclear deterrent.

According to the longtime Russian leader, Russia was the only country in the world with an operational hypersonic weapon.

The Avangard can reportedly fly 27 times faster than the speed of sound.

Russian media outlets have reported that the Avangard is expected to be installed onto the Soviet-built RS-18B intercontinental ballistic missiles.

In accordance with the New Start nuclear arms treaty with the U.S., Russian military officials showed the Avangard to U.S. inspectors last month, the AP reports.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper Mark EsperOvernight Defense: Stopgap spending measure awaits Senate vote | Trump nominates former Nunes aide for intelligence community watchdog | Trump extends ban on racial discrimination training to contractors, military Overnight Defense: Pentagon redirects pandemic funding to defense contractors | US planning for full Afghanistan withdrawal by May | Anti-Trump GOP group puts ads in military papers Official: Pentagon has started 'prudent planning' for full Afghanistan withdrawal by May MORE said in August that “it’s probably a matter of a couple of years” before the U.S. also has an operational hypersonic weapon.