North Korea said it successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile on Monday capable of carrying a 4.5-ton super-large warhead, state news agency KCNA reported on Tuesday.
A day earlier, South Korea reported the launch of two ballistic missiles by North Korea and said the second likely failed soon after launch, blowing up in flight over land.
The KCNA report did not make clear if two missiles were launched and referred to the projectile in a singular term.
It said the test of the new tactical ballistic missile, named Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5, was conducted with a simulated heavy warhead to verify flight stability and accuracy.
It did not elaborate on the nature of the simulated warhead.
North Korea's report on the missile test was likely "deception" with one of the two missiles flying abnormally and appearing to show up in a field not far from Pyongyang, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Colonel Lee Sung-jun told a briefing.
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How do you think global powers should balance national security interests with efforts to prevent arms races involving powerful missiles?
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Do you believe there's ever a justified reason for a country to test missiles capable of carrying super-large warheads, and if so, what are those reasons?
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What do you think motivates a country to develop and test new large warhead ballistic missiles?
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If you were in charge, how would you respond to a country that tests weapons of mass destruction?
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How does the idea of a country testing powerful ballistic missiles make you feel about the world's future safety?
