US tests missile defence system as North Korea concerns mount

The US has for the first time successfully tested its defence system against an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), say officials.

A ground-based interceptor was launched at a California air base and shot down a mock ballistic missile, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said. The Pentagon said the test was long-planned but it comes amid increased tensions with North Korea. The test comes after Pyongyang fired its ninth missile this year. MDA Director Vice Adm Jim Syring called the test a “critical milestone”. “This system is vitally important to the defence of our homeland, and this test demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat,” he said on Tuesday. It was the first live-fire test against a simulated ICBM for the Ground-Based Missile Defense (GMD).]]>