North Korea says it tested upgraded tactical ballistic missile

North Korea said on Tuesday that it had successfully tested a tactical ballistic missile to verify a technological upgrade to one of its key components, according to state media.

The country’s Missile Administration conducted the test on Monday as part of efforts to modernise its missile technology, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

The administration called the upgrade a “big success” and said it would significantly improve the performance and sophistication of the country’s offensive weapons systems.

KCNA said the test formed part of regular research by the Missile Administration and affiliated institutes to advance weapons technology.

South Korea’s military said on Monday that Pyongyang had fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, with at least one travelling more than 900 kilometres (559 miles). Seoul suggested the launches could have been a response to its successful hypersonic glide vehicle test the previous week.