"Saying with pride that the missile's rate of hits is very accurate and Pukguksong-2 is a successful strategic weapon, he approved the deployment of this weapon system for action," the country's KCNA news agency said, quoting leader Kim Jong Un, Reuters wrote.
The launch verified the reliability and accuracy of the solid-fuel engine's operation and stage separation and the late-stage guidance of the nuclear warhead which was recorded by a device mounted on the warhead, KCNA said.
Read alsoU.S. Navy moves second aircraft carrier near North Korea – CNNThe Pukguksong-2 missile flew about 500 km (310 miles), reaching an altitude of 560 km, and landed in waters off the North Korea's east coast, South Korea's military said on Sunday.
The reclusive state has been working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of striking the U.S. mainland. On Saturday, it said it had developed the capability to strike the U.S. mainland, although Western missile experts say the claim is exaggerated.
The North has yet to demonstrate it has successfully miniaturized a nuclear warhead to mount on a ballistic missile despite claims to having mastered the technology.
On Monday, KCNA said the latest test follows the successful test last week of another missile that has put Hawaii and Alaska within range.
Experts say solid fuel engines and mobile launchers make it more difficult to detect signs of launch preparations.
