North Korea Claims Successfully Tests COba Of Double-Scale Missiles, Targets Three Targets

North Korea's latest test launch. (Source: KCNA)

North Korean state media KCNA said on Thursday the country had successfully carried out an important test aimed at developing missiles carrying many warheads.

The test was carried out on Wednesday using a first-stage engine equipped with medium-range and long-range ballistic missiles based on solid fuel, he said.

KCNA said the missile managed to separate the warheads accurately directed to three predetermined targets.

"The goal is to secure the ability to destroy individual targets by using multiple warheads," KCNA said.

South Korea, the United States and Japan condemned the launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious threat, warning against additional provocations after last week's summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The test comes a day after the South Korean military said North Korea launched a hypersonic missile off its east coast, but the missile exploded in the air.

As previously reported, North Korea tested a hypersonic missile off its east coast but exploded in the air, the South Korean military said.

The missile was launched close to the capital, Pyongyang, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Japan's Ministry of Defense said the missile flew at an altitude of about 100 km (62 miles) with a range of more than 200 km.