SEOUL: North Korea's state-run news agency said Friday that Kim Jong Un, the country's leader, observed the test firing of a superlarge multiple rocket launch system.

The report by Korean Central News Agency was apparently referring to the firing of two projectiles, which are assumed to have been short-range ballistic missiles, into the Sea of Japan on Thursday afternoon.

According to the report, the test firing was intended to make final checks of the combat applicability of the superlarge rocket launch system.

The technological superiority and the credibility of North Korea's weapons systems were verified in the testing of multiple missile launches and Kim Jong Un was greatly satisfied with the result, the report said.

The test was reportedly conducted by North Korea's Academy of National Defense Science. The report said the scientist at the academy are overwhelmed with joy over the completion of powerful weapons systems.

North Korea conducted the testing of its superlarge rocket launch systems also in August-October. At the time of the firing in October, a KCNA report said North Korea confirmed through the test that its superlarge rocket systems can destroy target areas with extreme power.

The latest missile firing was the first such action by Pyongyang since Seoul decided last week to extend its General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA with Tokyo.

In Tokyo on Friday, Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono told a press conference that the time interval between Thursday's launches of the two projectiles by North Korea is assumed to have been less than one minute. "The threat is increasing," he added.

Kono also said the apparent missiles were a new solid-fuel type, the same as the ones fired on Aug. 24, Sept. 10 and Oct. 31, claiming that they pose serious concerns for the international community.

JIJI Press