North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes a missile launch in this undated photo from the state-run Korean Central News Agency. (KCNA)
North Korea fired four missiles from an improved version of a large-caliber multiple rocket launcher in a test overseen Tuesday by leader Kim Jong Un, according to the state-run news agency.
Japan and South Korea each reported ballistic missiles launched from the North fell off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast.
Several short-range missiles were launched from north of Pyongyang around 3:30 p.m., the South’s Ministry of National Defense said in a text message to reporters. They flew about 220 miles before dropping into the Sea of Japan, known on the peninsula as the East Sea.
The Korean Central News Agency, the official voice of North Korea’s ruling regime, said the test verified the improved system’s strike capability, mobility, intelligence and accuracy.
“Today’s test is of great significance in improving the effectiveness of our strategic deterrent,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying. “The self-steered precisely guided flight system, which can neglect any outside intervention, is a major feature that demonstrates the superiority of this weapon system.”
The launches marked the first time North Korea fired weapons since testing what it called hypersonic missiles early this month, the Associated Presse reported Tuesday. In December, the country test-fired what it called long-range, strategic cruise missiles and new anti-air missiles and released photos showing apparent progress in the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine.
The launches occurred during a visit to Seoul by Elbridge Colby, U.S. undersecretary of defense policy, to meet with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back.
U.S. and South Korean intelligence agencies tracked the movements of the launch and closely shared the related information, according to the ministry’s text message.
North Korea may have also made the weapons demonstration ahead of the upcoming ruling Workers’ Party congress, according to analysts cited by the AP. The congress, scheduled for next month, would be the first of its kind in five years and is one of North Korea’s biggest propaganda spectacles, the wire service reported.