Longer-range missiles tested in North Korea

A barrage of seven ballistic missiles that North Korea test-fired at the weekend may have included a new type of Scud with an extended range and improved accuracy.

South Korea's Chosun Ilbo reported the launches were believed to have included three Scud-ER missiles with a range of up to 1000km. It said the Scud-ER had a longer range and better accuracy compared with previous Scud series so was "particularly a threat to Japan".

The paper, citing an unnamed Government source, said the other four missiles were two Scud-Cs with a range of 500km and two medium-range Rodong missiles.