North Korea launches new ballistic missile says ICBM puts US in range

North Korea says it has successfully tested a new, nuclear-capable intercontinental-ballistic missile that could target the entire US mainland, Pyongyang's first test launch since sending a missile over Japan in mid-September.

The test comes just a week after US President, Donald Trump put North Korea back on a US list of countries which support terrorism.

The country's state television on Wednesday said the new ICBM, called Hwasong 15 was "significantly more" powerful than the previous long-range weapon it has tested and can reach the United States.

The missile is the North’s most powerful ever, and it flew 950 km for 53 minutes while reaching an altitude of 4,475 km, according to a statement read by a television presenter.

It also says it has "realised great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force".

According to report by the US Pentagon, the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) landed close to Japan. It added that the suspected intercontinental ballistic missile splashed down near Japan but scientists say its steep trajectory indicates Pyongyang could theoretically reach the US capital.

Meanwhile, Washington and Seoul have both condemned the latest ballistic missile test launch with both governments saying the rogue state poses a worldwide threat.

South Korea which responded by conducting its own missile firing tests says the launch had been anticipated.