North Korea claims "successful test-firing of latest anti-aircraft missile". Yonhap News

North Korea conducted a test-fire of a new long-range high-altitude anti-aircraft missile on March 24 in the East Sea, observed by Chairman Kim Jong Un, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced on the 25th.

The test, conducted by the General Missile Bureau, was described as the "first test launch for the tactical and technical evaluation of a long-range high-altitude anti-aircraft missile system currently under development," and stated that the "launched missiles accurately hit and destroyed simulated high-altitude targets at the 200km range," according to the KCNA.

It also claimed that "this test is part of the regular activities of the General Missile Bureau and its affiliated anti-aircraft weapon system research institutes aimed at advancing the technological capabilities of the nation's anti-aircraft defense systems."

Chairman Kim congratulated the success of the test launch, the KCNA added.

The South Korean military confirmed it had detected North Korea's missile test launch. The military did not disclose the missile launch on the previous day.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) issued a statement saying, "We were aware of the signs of North Korea's missile launch and were prepared. We detected several projectiles, presumed to be surface-to-air missiles, launched into the East Sea from the vicinity of Sŏndŏk, Hamgyŏngnam-do (South Hamgyong Province) around 5 p.m. (yesterday)."

Detailed specifications are currently under precise analysis by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities.

The JCS stated, "Under the robust ROK-U.S. combined defense posture, we are closely monitoring various movements by North Korea and maintaining the capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocations."