The test-firing of North Korea’s Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Pyongyang International Airport on November 18, 2022. (Photo: Yonhap/ VNA)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test.

The purpose of the test launch was "to confirm the performance of the high-power solid-fuel multi-stage engines, the stage separation technology, and the reliability of the control systems, and to evaluate the military effectiveness of the new strategic weapons system," KCNA said.

It insisted that the test had no negative impact on the safety of neighboring countries and was safely launched at sea.

The new ICBM radically increases North Korea's nuclear counterattack posture and brings about a change in the practicality of its offensive military strategy, according to North Korean officials.

The Japanese and US air forces on Thursday conducted joint drills over the Sea of Japan.