North Korea confirms 'important final-phase' test for spy satellite

SEOUL - North Korea's state media KCNA said on Monday that the country conducted an "important, final-phase" test on Sunday for the development of a spy satellite, which it is seeking to complete by April 2023.

The report was released a day after the South Korean and Japanese militaries reported the isolated North's launch of two intermediate-range ballistic missiles towards its east coast.

Pyongyang's National Aerospace Development Administration (Nada) conducted the test at its Sohae satellite launching station in the north-west to review its capability of satellite imaging, data transmission and ground control systems, KCNA said.

A vehicle carrying a mock satellite which included multiple cameras, image transmitters and receivers, a control device and a storage battery was fired at a "lofted angle" of 500km.