North Korea condemned by Japan after submarine ballistic missile launch

North Korea has test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile, according to the US and South Korea.

The KN-11 missile was launched off the North’s eastern coast and flew about 300 miles before falling into the Sea of Japan.

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe said the missile fell inside his country’s air defence identification zone, calling it an “unforgivable, reckless act” which “poses a grave threat to Japan’s security”.

Submarine-launched ballistic missiles are of particular concern because of the mobility of submarines and the ease with which launch preparation can remain undetected.