Pyongyang has claimed to have test-fired with success its new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile on Friday. Leader Kim Jong-un has said that the nation has "achieved an irreversible position" in developing the means of delivery for its nuclear weapons.
North Korea performed a "very crucial" missile test under Kim's leadership, which marked several milestones in "consolidating the absolute supremacy" of its armed forces, the KCNA reported.
The South Korean military said it had tracked a missile launched at a lofted angle around 7:10 a.m. Tuesday from the Pyongyang area and that it had been seen flying about 1,000 km before it apparently landed in the East Sea. The missile is reported to be a new solid-fuel ICBM, according to Yonhap news agency.
This is the first ICBM launch in nearly a year, just days before the U.S. presidential election on November 5. Observers say North Korea's action was likely intended to demonstrate its capability to deliver a nuclear warhead to the U.S. mainland and to divert attention from recent criticisms over its troop deployment to Russia.
It describes the newest ICBM as an "ultra-powerful offensive means" and the "ultimates" version of North Korean long-range missile series.
"That test of the newest strategic weapon system updated recent records of the strategic missile power of the DPRK, demonstrating the modernity and creditability of the most powerful strategic deterrent of this world," KCNA noted while using the acronym of official name of North Korea for Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
I feel great that the successful test has confirmed our hegemonic position that the country has secured in the development and manufacture of nuclear delivery means of the same kind is absolutely irreversible," KCNA said.
North Korea said the Hwasong-19 had travelled 1,001.2 km at a maximum altitude of 7,687.5 km and flew for 5,156 seconds. This was considered to have the longest flight time for a North Korean missile.
Photos published by state media showed the missile being launched from an 11-axle transporter erector, with Kim's daughter, who is said to be named Ju-ae, also seen to inspect the missile launch.
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