North Korea said on Monday it had tested a Hwasong-12 “mid-range ballistic missile” on Sunday, according to state news agency KCNA, the first time a missile of that size has been launched since 2017.
The launch was first reported by South Korean and Japanese authorities on Sunday. Analysts and officials said the test appeared to involve an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which North Korea has not tested since 2017 when it suspended testing its largest missiles and its nuclear weapons.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“The inspection firing test was conducted for the purpose of selectively inspecting the ground-to-ground mid-range long-range ballistic missile Hwasong-12 and verifying the overall accuracy of this weapon system,” KCNA said.
KCNA said the missile launch was conducted in a way to ensure the safety of neighbouring countries, and that the test warhead was fitted with a camera that took photos while it was in space.
Read more:
North Korea caps month of tests with longest-range missile since 2017
North Korea confirms latest weapons tests as Kim visits ‘important’ munitions factory
North Korea conducts 2022's fifth missile test, directly defying UN and US demands
