North Korea says it has successfully carried out a test-launch of a new ballistic missile using what it called a precision control guidance system.
The country’s state-run media said on Tuesday morning that the test was conducted under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un.
The ruling Workers’ Party newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, published 18 photos of what it claims to be the new missile on the front and second pages of Tuesday’s edition.
The images show the missile lifting off from a mobile launcher and releasing orange flames as it ascends into the sky. Kim is also shown smiling and pointing a finger at a monitor which appears to be displaying the missile’s flight data.
Kim was reportedly pleased that the preparation process had been highly automated, enabling the country to more quickly prepare to defeat its enemies.
North Korea also claims that the missile landed within 7 meters of its target.
It said the missile made its first public appearance in the military parade on April 15th commemorating the 105th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung — the grandfather of Kim Jong Un.
The report is believed to be referring to the launch detected near the eastern city of Wonsan on Monday.
The Japanese government estimates that the missile fell into waters within Japan’s exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan about 300 kilometers from Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture.
Source and image: NHK
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