North Korea close to testing long range missile, Kim Jong-un says

Defiant North Korean President Kim Jong-un revealed during his New Year address that his country is in the “final stages” of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile which will be tested after completion.

Kim said the development of banned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) is in the “final stages”.

“Research and development of cutting-edge arms equipment is actively progressing and ICBM rocket test launch preparation is in its last stage,” Kim said on Sunday.

North Korea tested ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate during 2016, although some experts have said it is years away from developing an ICBM fitted with a nuclear warhead capable of reaching the United States.