Key test of missile defence declared success by Pentagon

The Pentagon scored an important success on Tuesday in a test of its oft-criticised missile defence programme, destroying a mock warhead over the Pacific Ocean with an interceptor that is key to protecting US territory from a North Korean attack.

Vice Admiral Jim Syring, director of the Pentagon agency in charge of developing the missile defence system, called the test result "an incredible accomplishment" and a critical milestone for a programme hampered by setbacks over the years.