North Korea has announced it successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting "anywhere in the world", under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un.
The Hwasong-14 missile reached an altitude of 2,802 kilometres and hit its target precisely after flying for 39 minutes, the announcement on state television said.
Japan's Defence Ministry earlier confirmed the missile had "greatly exceeded" 2,500 kilometres before landing in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.
The launch added to a string of recent test-firings as the North works to build a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the US.
Australia has condemned the "provocative ballistic tests", which Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said were in breach of numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions.
"North Korea continues to threaten its neighbours while undermining regional and global security," Ms Bishop said in a statement.
"North Korea's long-term interests would be best served by ceasing its nuclear and missiles programs and focusing on improving the lives of its long suffering people."
More to come.
ABC/Reuters
