Backgrounder: DPRK missile tests

According to the most current reports, the DPRK possesses over 10 types of missiles, covering a range of 120 to 2,000 kilometers. However, little more than this is known about its military technology due to the country's intense secrecy.

The DPRK began to develop its missile technology in the late 20th century, during which a series of short-range missiles were successfully tested.

In May 1993, the DPRK test-fired a medium-range Rodong ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan. The missile had a range of 13-hundred kilometers.

In August 1998, it launched its first satellite called, Kwang-myong-song-1, which it said was successful.

However, the US and South Korea initially claimed the DPRK actually launched an intermediate-range Tae-po-dong-1 ballistic missile, part of which flew over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean.

In July 2006, the country launched several ballistic missiles, including an advanced long-range Taepodong-2 model.

But the launch of the missiles, which were designed with a range of about 6-thousand kilometers, was an apparent failure.

On April 5th, 2009, the DPRK said it successfully launched a rocket carrying a communications satellite.

But the US and Japan claimed the launch was a failure, and the rocket was in fact a modified Taopodong-2 missile.

Western countries now believe the DPRK is capable of carrying out missile attacks across South Korean territory, as well as US military bases in Japan.