North Korea Fires 'Super-Large' Rocket System 

The launch was the fourth and final test of the system, Pyongyang have said.

North Korea says it has successfully tested what it describes as a "super-large" multiple-launch rocket system.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KNCA) has released images of leader Kim Jong Un smiling alongside troops as a projectile was fired from a truck-mounted launching system.

Pyongyang said the launch was the fourth and final test of the system.

Japan has accused North Korea of serious defiance of the international community - North Korea recently rejecting comments from US President Trump, hinting at a possible resumption of talks on Pyongyang's nuclear and missile test programmes.

It comes three days after the North announced its troops carried out artillery drills near the disputed sea boundary with its southern neighbour.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KNCA) said leader Kim Jong Un expressed "great satisfaction" over the results of the test-firing.

"The volley test-fire aimed to finally examine the combat application of the super-large multiple launch rocket system proved the military and technical superiority of the weapon system and its firm reliability," KCNA said.

South Korea's joint chiefs of staff said the projectiles were aimed at the North's eastern waters, from South Hamgyong province in its north-east.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "The UK is concerned about the latest North Korea missile launches. These launches undermine efforts to secure a peaceful future for the Korean Peninsula.

"To change the course of its future for the better, North Korea must engage meaningfully with the US in negotiations towards denuclearisation."

It is believed the launches are an attempt by Pyongyang to pressure the United States to make concessions in the stalled nuclear talks between the nations.

The negotiations collapsed in February when North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un's demands for major sanctions relief in return for partial disarmament were rejected by US President Donald Trump.

Earlier this month, North Korea announced it carried out its third test of a new 'super-large' multiple rocket launcher, with reports now suggesting the system could be mass-produced and rolled out for deployment.

Cover picture: KCNA.