The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday confirmed it had "successfully" tested a ballistic missile, and the country's top leader Kim Jong Un guided the test firing, according to the state news agency KCNA.
"A surface-to-surface medium long-range ballistic missile Pukguksong-2 was successfully test-fired on Sunday," KCNA said, describing it as a "Korean-style new type strategic weapon system."
The missile was launched from the Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), South Korea's defense ministry said Sunday.
DPRK leader Kim Jong Un smiles as he visits Sohae Space Center in Cholsan County, North Pyongan province for the testing of a new engine for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in this undated photo released by KCNA on April 9, 2016. /CFP Photo
Kim personally guided the preparations for the test, a KCNA report said, adding it was conducted at a high angle, considering security of the neighboring countries.
The missile test proved the reliability and security of the surface launch system and reconfirmed the guidance and control features of the ballistic missile during its active flight and working feature of the engines and those of separation at the stages, KCNA reported.
The launch also verified the position control and guidance in the middle section and section of re-entry after the separation of the improved missile warhead, which can be tipped with a nuclear warhead, and the feature of evading interception, KCNA added.
Kim was satisfied with the test launch, saying that the new type ballistic missile system "provides convenience in operation and ensuring speed in striking."
He called the missile a "Juche weapon in name and reality" because both the launching truck and the missile were designed and produced "on indigenous efforts and technology," KCNA said.
(With inputs from Xinhua)
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