Pyongyang:North Korea has conducted a test-firing of a tactical ballistic missile in a bid to enhance a crucial element of its weapons systems, which it described as a "big success," according to state media on Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the missile test was reported a day after South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected several ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang area toward the East Sea. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the missile administration tested the missile on October 12 to confirm the success of technical upgrades to a significant core element. The administration emphasized that the upgrade was a significant achievement, marking an important advancement in the performance and sophistication of all offensive weapon systems, and categorized the test as part of regular activities.

Although specific details about the missile test were not disclosed by North Korea, the JCS noted that a variety of ballistic missiles had been launched, with one type flying over 900 kilometers. South Korean and U.S. officials are currently conducting a detailed analysis of the missile specifications. JCS spokesperson Capt. Jang Do-young mentioned that the North could have launched a short-range ballistic missile at its maximum range or potentially a medium-range ballistic missile at a shorter range.

Japan's defense ministry confirmed that at least two ballistic missiles were fired by the North, with one traveling about 220 km and the other more than 910 km. The U.S. Pacific Command also noted that the launches involved two ballistic missiles.

This recent test marks North Korea's 16th ballistic missile launch this year, following the previous launch on October 3. It occurred shortly after South Korea's public announcement of a successful test-firing of a homegrown hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV), which took place in an event attended by President Lee Jae Myung. The advanced weapons test by South Korea is perceived as a demonstration of its deterrence capabilities against North Korea, especially after a land mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on September 21 injured three South Korean soldiers.