North Korea successfully test-fired a new mid- to long-range solid-fuel, hypersonic missile, state media KCNA said on Wednesday.

North Korea fired a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea on Tuesday in a possible test, drawing swift condemnation from South Korea, Japan and the United States.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch, KCNA said, lauding it as a strategic weapon that demonstrates the "absolute superiority" of North Korea's defence technology.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-north-fired-intermediate-range-ballistic-missile-706807">South Korea says North Korea fired intermediate-range ballistic missile</a>

With this, North Korea has "fully turned all tactical, operational, and strategic-grade missiles of different ranges into solid-fuel, with warhead control, and capable of nuclearisation", Kim said, according to KCNA.

Hypersonic missiles are more difficult to intercept, while missiles with solid fuel can be moved and stored more easily, meaning they can be ready to launch at short notice.

Tuesday's test followed a ground test in late March of a solid-fuel engine for a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile.

Britain also condemned North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch on Tuesday, saying it breached multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

Meanwhile, a North Korean diplomatic delegation that visited China, Vietnam and Laos, as well as an economic delegation to Russia, have all returned home on Tuesday, KCNA said.

North Korea successfully test-fired a new mid- to long-range solid-fuel, hypersonic missile, state media KCNA said on Wednesday. North Korea fired a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea on Tuesday in a possible test, drawing swift condemnation from South Korea, Japan and the United States.

North Korea successfully test-fired a new mid- to long-range solid-fuel, hypersonic missile, state media KCNA said on Wednesday. North Korea fired a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea on Tuesday in a possible test, drawing swift condemnation from South Korea, Japan and the United States. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch, KCNA said, lauding it as a strategic weapon that demonstrates the "absolute superiority" of North Korea's defence technology. Also read: South Korea says North Korea fired intermediate-range ballistic missile With this, North Korea has "fully turned all tactical, operational, and strategic-grade missiles of different ranges into solid-fuel, with warhead control, and capable of nuclearisation", Kim said, according to KCNA. Hypersonic missiles are more difficult to intercept, while missiles with solid fuel can be moved and stored more easily, meaning they can be ready to launch at short notice. Tuesday's test followed a ground test in late March of a solid-fuel engine for a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile. Britain also condemned North Korea's latest ballistic missile launch on Tuesday, saying it breached multiple UN Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, a North Korean diplomatic delegation that visited China, Vietnam and Laos, as well as an economic delegation to Russia, have all returned home on Tuesday, KCNA said.

North Korea says it tested new solid-fuel hypersonic missile capable of nuclearisation

North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile Thursday morning in the direction of the . According to the news source, Pyongyang's latest act of defiance amid intense tensions with Seoul and Washington was the launch of a missile towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. According to the agency, the South's military provided no immediate information about the launch. In a tweet posted by the office of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated that "North Korea launched what appears to be a ballistic missile." This was Japan's confirmation of the launch.

North Korea FIRES ballistic missile into seas between Japan and South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's beloved daughter Kim Ju Ae has been making the news headlines ever since she was first spotted by the cameras at one of the ICBM missile testing sites last year.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's beloved daughter Kim Ju Ae has been making the news headlines ever since she was first spotted by the cameras at one of the ICBM missile testing sites last year. Turns out Kim's daughter may be a fashionista after media reports claimed that she was wearing a jacket made by high-end French fashion label Christian Dior. Kim Ju Ae, alongside her father, attended yet another missile launch last week. She was spotted wearing a black quilted jacket in the photographs released by the North Korean state media. South Korean media quickly latched onto the photographs with news outlet TV Chosun noting that the distinctive stitching of the jacket meant that it was the original product sold by fashion house Christian Dior. ALSO READ | North Korea’s Kim Jong Un intends to hand over power to daughter in long term "The coat worn by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter Kim Ju Ae while observing the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on the 16th was analyzed to be a product of the French luxury brand Christian Dior," noted the publication. The jacket is sold at a price of $2,800 in the US according to the fashion outlet's website. “The hooded down jacket honors House heritage with the iconic Cannage motif,” read the official description of the jacket. With the hermit kingdom under heavy stress of economic sanctions and such brands not available in North Korea, it is indeed surprising that Kim Ju Ae was pictured wearing the designer jacket. WATCH | Kim Jong-un, daughter Ju Ae attend sports event; Ju Ae spotted for first time at non-military event × Ju Ae is one of Kim's three known children. Last year in November, surprising many, Kim took her to inspect a ballistic missile at the Pyongyang International Airport. The images of Kim going public with his daughter quickly spread across with many suggesting that the North Korean leader was preparing her as his successor. However, not many approved of her. Recent reports have stated that the North Korean people resent her as she looks all "plump and white" - leaving the starving public angry who barely manage to garner three meals a day. ALSO READ | North Koreans secretly hate Kim Jong Un's daughter Kim Ju Ae. Here's why Besides her appearance, citizens also resent how she gets away with wearing anything she likes. Wearing a capitalist brand like 'Christian Dior' might go against the ethos prophesied by Kim Jong Un which may further deepen the angst against his daughter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kim Jong Un's daughter wears Christian Dior's $2,800 jacket at missile launch, claims S Korean media

North Korea has fired another missile into the ocean off the Korean Peninsula's east coast (JCS) on Sunday, according to the Yonhap news agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea.&nbsp;

The North Korean projectile may have been a ballistic missile, the Japan Coast Guard said, reported&nbsp;Al Jazeera.

The launch comes after North Korea allegedly fired&nbsp;an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan on Thursday, hours before the president of South Korea travelled to Tokyo for a summit to discuss strategies to deal with their nuclear-armed neighbour.&nbsp;

North Korean state media described the launch of the Hwasong 17 as a response to the ongoing, “frantic” joint drills by South Korea and the United States.

All of these drills are seen in Pyongyang as ‘invasion’ rehearsal, reported Al Jazeera.

The governments of Japan and South Korea both strongly denounced Sunday's missile launch, calling it "clear violation" of UN Security Council resolutions.

Pyongyang’s repeated launches “threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community,” Japan’s defence ministry said in a statement.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;North Korean missile could hit US&nbsp;in 33 mins, says study; find gaps in US&nbsp;missile defence

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Sunday’s ballistic missile launch occurs a day&nbsp;after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-800000-people-enlist-to-fight-us-imperialists-573351">North Korea claimed about 800,000 of its citizens had volunteered</a> to join or re-enlist in the nation’s military to fight the United States, reported CNN.

North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power last year, and Kim Jong Un recently urged a "exponential" rise in the development of weapons, including tactical nuclear weapons. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

North Korea has fired another missile into the ocean off the Korean Peninsula's east coast (JCS) on Sunday, according to the Yonhap news agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea.

North Korea has fired another missile into the ocean off the Korean Peninsula's east coast (JCS) on Sunday, according to the Yonhap news agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea. The North Korean projectile may have been a ballistic missile, the Japan Coast Guard said, reported Al Jazeera. The launch comes after North Korea allegedly fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan on Thursday, hours before the president of South Korea travelled to Tokyo for a summit to discuss strategies to deal with their nuclear-armed neighbour. North Korean state media described the launch of the Hwasong 17 as a response to the ongoing, “frantic” joint drills by South Korea and the United States. All of these drills are seen in Pyongyang as ‘invasion’ rehearsal, reported Al Jazeera. The governments of Japan and South Korea both strongly denounced Sunday's missile launch, calling it "clear violation" of UN Security Council resolutions. Pyongyang’s repeated launches “threaten the peace and security of Japan, the region and the international community,” Japan’s defence ministry said in a statement. ALSO WATCH | North Korean missile could hit US in 33 mins, says study; find gaps in US missile defence Sunday’s ballistic missile launch occurs a day after North Korea claimed about 800,000 of its citizens had volunteered to join or re-enlist in the nation’s military to fight the United States, reported CNN. North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear power last year, and Kim Jong Un recently urged a "exponential" rise in the development of weapons, including tactical nuclear weapons. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

N Korea launches missile: S Korea, Japan call it ‘clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions’

The South Korea's presidential National Security Council (NSC) on Sunday expressed "grave regret" over North Korea's launch of a "ballistic missile", calling for Pyongyang to immediately stop acts that threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula. 
 
National security adviser Suh Hoon presided over the NSC meeting, shortly after North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile that marked the North's eighth show of force this year, Yonhap news agency reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-an-unidentified-projectile-in-what-comes-as-the-eighth-launch-this-year-456948">North Korea fires an 'unidentified projectile' in what comes as the eighth launch this year</a> 
 
South Korea's military said the North's ballistic missile flew around 300 km at an altitude of 620 km. 
 
NSC members "expressed deep concern and grave regret over North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile today, despite the fact that South Korea and the US have made joint efforts for a diplomatic solution," Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement. 
 
"Firing a ballistic missile at a time when the world is striving to resolve the war in Ukraine is not desirable for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, region and the world," the NSC said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-issues-new-warning-to-evacuate-last-remaining-citizens-from-ukraine-454800">South Korea issues new warning to evacuate last remaining citizens from Ukraine</a> 
 
The NSC also called for North Korea to swiftly respond to offers for dialogue by South Korea, the US and the international community, according to the statement. 
 
The North's latest launch came at a sensitive time for South Korea, which is set to hold a presidential election on March 9. 
 
The NSC emphasised that it will make utmost efforts to protect security ahead of the presidential election. 
 
In January, the North conducted seven rounds of missile tests, including an intermediate-range ballistic missile launch.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-weighs-penalty-against-tesla-for-exaggerating-mileage-453748">&nbsp;South Korea weighs penalty against Tesla for exaggerating mileage</a> 
 
Some analysts have said North Korea could engage in more provocative actions down the road as it issued a veiled threat last month to lift its yearslong self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests. 
 
North Korea appeared to have refrained from missile tests during the recently concluded Winter Olympics in Beijing, its traditional ally and key economic supporter.

The South Korea's presidential National Security Council (NSC) on Sunday expressed "grave regret" over North Korea's launch of a "ballistic missile", calling for Pyongyang to immediately stop acts that threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The South Korea's presidential National Security Council (NSC) on Sunday expressed "grave regret" over North Korea's launch of a "ballistic missile", calling for Pyongyang to immediately stop acts that threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula. National security adviser Suh Hoon presided over the NSC meeting, shortly after North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile that marked the North's eighth show of force this year, Yonhap news agency reported. Also read | North Korea fires an 'unidentified projectile' in what comes as the eighth launch this year South Korea's military said the North's ballistic missile flew around 300 km at an altitude of 620 km. NSC members "expressed deep concern and grave regret over North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile today, despite the fact that South Korea and the US have made joint efforts for a diplomatic solution," Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement. "Firing a ballistic missile at a time when the world is striving to resolve the war in Ukraine is not desirable for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, region and the world," the NSC said. Also read | South Korea issues new warning to evacuate last remaining citizens from Ukraine The NSC also called for North Korea to swiftly respond to offers for dialogue by South Korea, the US and the international community, according to the statement. The North's latest launch came at a sensitive time for South Korea, which is set to hold a presidential election on March 9. The NSC emphasised that it will make utmost efforts to protect security ahead of the presidential election. In January, the North conducted seven rounds of missile tests, including an intermediate-range ballistic missile launch. Also read | South Korea weighs penalty against Tesla for exaggerating mileage Some analysts have said North Korea could engage in more provocative actions down the road as it issued a veiled threat last month to lift its yearslong self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests. North Korea appeared to have refrained from missile tests during the recently concluded Winter Olympics in Beijing, its traditional ally and key economic supporter.

South Korea expresses 'grave regret' over North's ballistic missile launch

North Korea test-fired three ballistic missiles today, South Korea&#39;s military said, just over a week after issuing threats to respond to the planned deployment of a US anti-missile system in the South. 
 
The missiles, launched early today from the western city of Hwangju, flew between 500 and 600 kilometres (311-373 miles) toward the Sea of Japan, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) said in a press statement. 
 
The range of what were believed to be SCUD missiles could reach anywhere in South Korea, the JCS said, adding the military was keeping close tabs on the North&#39;s movement. 
 
North Korea last week threatened to take &quot;physical action&quot; after Washington and Seoul announced plans to deploy a sophisticated US anti-missile defence system to counter the growing menace from Pyongyang. 
 
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, will be deployed in Seongju county by the end of next year. 
 
An unidentified military official said that today&#39;s launch was believed to be linked to the North&#39;s latest threats. 
 
&quot;SCUDs are a weapon that the North is most likely to use to hit places like Seongju&quot;, the official said, according to Yonhap news agency. 
 
The North had previously launched relatively short-ranged SCUDs in March, as it flexed its muscles in response to joint US-South Korea military drills just south of the border. 
 
North Korea reportedly has some 600 SCUDs, developed in the former Soviet Union and modified by Pyongyang, whose ranges are estimated to be somewhere between 300 and 700 kilometres. 
 
Tensions have soared since Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a series of missile launches that analysts say shows that the North is making progress toward being able to strike the US mainland. 
 
Both South Korean and US troops stationed in the South have Patriot anti-air defence systems that can intercept enemy missiles at low altitudes. 
 
Alongside the Patriot systems, the THAAD system is necessary to form a multi-layered anti-air defence system, South Korean military authorities say. 
 
The announcement to deploy the THAAD system in Seongju sparked fierce protests by residents who are concerned it will ruin the town&#39;s economic main stay, melon farming, and create health and environmental hazards. 
 
(AFP)

The launch comes a week after issuing threats to respond to the planned deployment of a United States anti-missile system in South Korea

North Korea test-fired three ballistic missiles today, South Korea's military said, just over a week after issuing threats to respond to the planned deployment of a US anti-missile system in the South. The missiles, launched early today from the western city of Hwangju, flew between 500 and 600 kilometres (311-373 miles) toward the Sea of Japan, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSC) said in a press statement. The range of what were believed to be SCUD missiles could reach anywhere in South Korea, the JCS said, adding the military was keeping close tabs on the North's movement. North Korea last week threatened to take "physical action" after Washington and Seoul announced plans to deploy a sophisticated US anti-missile defence system to counter the growing menace from Pyongyang. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, will be deployed in Seongju county by the end of next year. An unidentified military official said that today's launch was believed to be linked to the North's latest threats. "SCUDs are a weapon that the North is most likely to use to hit places like Seongju", the official said, according to Yonhap news agency. The North had previously launched relatively short-ranged SCUDs in March, as it flexed its muscles in response to joint US-South Korea military drills just south of the border. North Korea reportedly has some 600 SCUDs, developed in the former Soviet Union and modified by Pyongyang, whose ranges are estimated to be somewhere between 300 and 700 kilometres. Tensions have soared since Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a series of missile launches that analysts say shows that the North is making progress toward being able to strike the US mainland. Both South Korean and US troops stationed in the South have Patriot anti-air defence systems that can intercept enemy missiles at low altitudes. Alongside the Patriot systems, the THAAD system is necessary to form a multi-layered anti-air defence system, South Korean military authorities say. The announcement to deploy the THAAD system in Seongju sparked fierce protests by residents who are concerned it will ruin the town's economic main stay, melon farming, and create health and environmental hazards. (AFP)

North Korea test-fires three ballistic missiles

Nuclear-armed North Korea conducted two back-to-back tests of a powerful new medium-range missile today, with both achieving a significant increase in flight distance over previous failed launches, South Korea&#39;s defence ministry said. 
 
Both tests were believed to be of a much-hyped, intermediate-range Musudan missile -- theoretically capable of reaching US bases as far away as Guam. 
 
International condemnation was swift, with the United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Japan labelling the launches a clear violation of UN resolutions, and South Korea vowing to push for tighter sanctions on Pyongyang. 
 
Existing UN Security Council measures ban North Korea from any use of ballistic missile technology. 
 
The first test shortly before 6:00 am (2100 GMT Tuesday) was deemed to have failed after reportedly flying around 150 kilometres (90 miles) over the East Sea (Sea of Japan). 
 
According to Japanese military monitors, the second missile attained a height of 1,000 kilometers and a range of 400 kilometers -- a trajectory some experts suggested was calculated to avoid any violation of Japanese air space. 
 
Four failed Musudan tests earlier this year all either exploded on the mobile launch pad or shortly after take-off. 
 
A successful test would mark a major step forward for a weapons programme that ultimately aspires to develop a proven nuclear strike capability against the US mainland. 
 
Worrying progress&nbsp; 
 
Melissa Hanham, an expert on North Korea&#39;s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programme at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said today&#39;s launches represented a worrying step forward. 
 
&quot;The second was likely a success. Testing is iterative and they are learning from each flight,&quot; Hanham said. 
 
&quot;Policymakers need to focus on a testing ban to prevent this from becoming a working missile,&quot; she added. 
 
US state department spokesman John Kirby said the latest launches would only increase global efforts to counter North Korea&#39;s illicit weapons programme. 
 
&quot;W&lrm;e intend to raise our concerns at the UN to bolster international resolve in holding (North Korea) accountable for these provocative actions,&quot; Kirby said in a statement. 
 
Japanese broadcaster NHK quoted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as saying such tests &quot;cannot be tolerated&quot;, while NATO &quot;strongly condemned&quot; the launch in a statement from its secretary general. 
 
South Korea&#39;s foreign ministry warned that North Korea would face even stronger sanctions and said the tests underlined &quot;the hypocrisy and deceptiveness&quot; of Pyongyang&#39;s recent offers of military talks with Seoul. 
 
China, traditionally the North&#39;s closest ally, cautioned against &quot;any action that may escalate tension&quot; and called for a resumed dialogue on the North&#39;s nuclear programme. 
 
First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres. 
 
The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam. 
 
String of failures&nbsp; 
 
Three failed launches in April were seen as an embarrassment for North Korea&#39;s leadership, coming ahead of a rare ruling party congress that was meant to celebrate the country&#39;s achievements. 
 
Another attempt in May was also deemed to have failed. 
 
Markus Schiller, a German aerospace engineer who has written extensively on North Korea&#39;s missile programme, said a lot of information on the Musudan was highly speculative and warned against drawing too many conclusions from today&#39;s launches. 
 
&quot;We do not even know if these were indeed Musudan missiles that were launched today,&quot; Schiller said. 
 
The latest tests came with military tensions on the divided Korean peninsula still running high following Pyongyang&#39;s fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch a month later that saw the UN Security Council impose its toughest sanctions to date on the North. 
 
In recent months, North Korea has claimed a series of technical breakthroughs in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to targets across the continental United States. 
 
(AFP)

A successful test would be a major fillip for a weapon's programme that aspires to get the US mainland within striking range

Nuclear-armed North Korea conducted two back-to-back tests of a powerful new medium-range missile today, with both achieving a significant increase in flight distance over previous failed launches, South Korea's defence ministry said. Both tests were believed to be of a much-hyped, intermediate-range Musudan missile -- theoretically capable of reaching US bases as far away as Guam. International condemnation was swift, with the United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Japan labelling the launches a clear violation of UN resolutions, and South Korea vowing to push for tighter sanctions on Pyongyang. Existing UN Security Council measures ban North Korea from any use of ballistic missile technology. The first test shortly before 6:00 am (2100 GMT Tuesday) was deemed to have failed after reportedly flying around 150 kilometres (90 miles) over the East Sea (Sea of Japan). According to Japanese military monitors, the second missile attained a height of 1,000 kilometers and a range of 400 kilometers -- a trajectory some experts suggested was calculated to avoid any violation of Japanese air space. Four failed Musudan tests earlier this year all either exploded on the mobile launch pad or shortly after take-off. A successful test would mark a major step forward for a weapons programme that ultimately aspires to develop a proven nuclear strike capability against the US mainland. Worrying progress Melissa Hanham, an expert on North Korea's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programme at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, said today's launches represented a worrying step forward. "The second was likely a success. Testing is iterative and they are learning from each flight," Hanham said. "Policymakers need to focus on a testing ban to prevent this from becoming a working missile," she added. US state department spokesman John Kirby said the latest launches would only increase global efforts to counter North Korea's illicit weapons programme. "W‎e intend to raise our concerns at the UN to bolster international resolve in holding (North Korea) accountable for these provocative actions," Kirby said in a statement. Japanese broadcaster NHK quoted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as saying such tests "cannot be tolerated", while NATO "strongly condemned" the launch in a statement from its secretary general. South Korea's foreign ministry warned that North Korea would face even stronger sanctions and said the tests underlined "the hypocrisy and deceptiveness" of Pyongyang's recent offers of military talks with Seoul. China, traditionally the North's closest ally, cautioned against "any action that may escalate tension" and called for a resumed dialogue on the North's nuclear programme. First unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010, the Musudan has a theoretical range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres. The lower estimate covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam. String of failures Three failed launches in April were seen as an embarrassment for North Korea's leadership, coming ahead of a rare ruling party congress that was meant to celebrate the country's achievements. Another attempt in May was also deemed to have failed. Markus Schiller, a German aerospace engineer who has written extensively on North Korea's missile programme, said a lot of information on the Musudan was highly speculative and warned against drawing too many conclusions from today's launches. "We do not even know if these were indeed Musudan missiles that were launched today," Schiller said. The latest tests came with military tensions on the divided Korean peninsula still running high following Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch a month later that saw the UN Security Council impose its toughest sanctions to date on the North. In recent months, North Korea has claimed a series of technical breakthroughs in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to targets across the continental United States. (AFP)

North Korea test fires two powerful, mid-range ballistic missiles