North Korea's military fired short-range missiles into the East Sea (Sea of Japan) on Friday, Yonhap reported, at a time of heightened tensions following Pyongyang's recent nuclear test. A single unit of the North's military test-fired the missiles estimated to have a range of about 120 kilometres. Observers said Pyongyang’s action aimed to retaliate the on-going joint-military exercise between South Korea and the US.

North Korea's KN-02 missile appears in a parade (photo: militarytoday)

In another development, the US plans to bolster its missile defences on the west coast to counter the threat from North Korea. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel has announced that the US would add 14 interceptors, which can shoot down missiles in flight, to 30 already in place in California and Alaska by 2017. Hagel cited a "series of irresponsible and reckless provocations" recently by North Korea.