N.Korea tests new hypersonic missile as it ramps up weapon systems

The development of the weapon system increases North Korea's defence capabilities, KCNA said, describing the hypersonic missile as "strategic weapon"

The projectile North Korea fired off its east coast on Tuesday was a newly developed hypersonic missile, state news media KCNA reported on Wednesday, the latest in a series of new weapons tested by the reclusive state, Qazet.az reports quoting Reuters.

North Korea fired the missile towards the sea off its east coast, South Korea's military said, as Pyongyang called on the United States and South Korea to scrap their "double standards" on weapons programmes to restart diplomatic talks.

The development of the weapon system increases North Korea's defence capabilities, KCNA said, describing the hypersonic missile as "strategic weapon".

Unlike ballistic missiles that fly into outer space before returning on steep trajectories, hypersonic weapons fly towards targets at lower altitudes and can achieve more than five times the speed of sound - or about 6,200 km per hour (3,853 miles per hour).