North Korea launches missile off east coast

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects the weapons launch on April 16 – Photo: KCNA

On the morning of April 17, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that North Korea launched a missile from the city of Hamhung at around 6 p.m. on April 16 (local time).

The missile flies 110km at an altitude of 25km, the maximum speed is below Mach 4 (nearly 5,000km/h).

Also this morning, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported that leader Kim Jong Un inspected the test-firing of a new tactical guided weapon aimed at enhancing nuclear capabilities.

“The new type of tactical guided weapon system is of great significance in drastically improving the firepower of front-line artillery units and improving the operational efficiency of the North’s tactical armed forces.” Tien”, KCNA said.

KCNA did not say when the test took place, but traditionally North Korean state media usually report on the leader’s activities a day later.

North Korea recently resumed testing an intercontinental ballistic missile since 2017.

South Korean and US officials say there are signs that Pyongyang may soon test a nuclear weapon.