The ballistic rocket test conducted by North Korea on Sunday was "aimed at verifying the tactical and technological specifications" of a newly developed missile "capable of carrying a large-size heavy nuclear warhead," the country's official KCNA news agency said Monday.
The launch was supervised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, KCNA said, and the missile flew 490 miles and reached an altitude of 1,312 miles. Experts say the missile was launched at its highest angle, and if it was fired at a standard trajectory, it would be able to travel as far as 2,500 miles. U.S. Pacific Command said the type of missile launched was "not consistent with an intercontinental ballistic missile." Kim was likely trying to send a message to South Korea's new leader, Moon Jae-in, who was sworn in on Wednesday and said his country is "leaving open the possibility of dialogue with North Korea." The missile landed in the sea near Russia.
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