North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said on Thursday that the test of a ballistic missile launched from a submarine this week was the "greatest success" and put his country on a military par with the strongest nations.

According to state media, Kim "noted with pride that the results of the test-fire proved that the DPRK joined the front rank of military powers fully equipped with nuclear attack capability."

The official Korean Central News Agency (KNCA) also quoted Kim as saying that the "United States, as well as American military bases in the Pacific, are now within the striking range" of missiles launched by Pyongyang.

The KNCA said Kim had watched Wednesday's test, with Pyongyang's top newspaper, "Rodong Sinmun," carrying 24 photos of the leader observing the launch at an observation post. The paper said he had "appreciated the test-fire as the greatest success and victory."

(DW)