The test was carried out on Wednesday using a first-stage engine equipped with a solid-fuel based intermediate and long-range ballistic missile, it said.

The dispatch came a day after South Korea's military said that North Korea launched what appeared to be a hypersonic missile off its east coast but it exploded in midair.

KCNA said the missile succeeded in separating warheads which were accurately guided to three preset targets.

"The purpose was to secure the capability to destroy individual targets using multiple warheads," it said.

South Korea, the United States and Japan condemned the launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a serious threat, and warned against additional provocations.