The South Korean defense ministry says the projectile North Korea fired on Tuesday is classified as an intercontinental ballistic missile(ICBM). 

Defense Minister Han Min-koo on Wednesday brought the assessment to the National Assembly defense committee, citing analyses of the Hwasong-14 missile's altitude, flight distance, speed and the stage rocket separation process.

While noting that the new North Korean missile is an upgraded two-stage version of the Hwasong-12 the North launched in May, Han said that it is too early to determine if the ICBM launch was successful.

The ministry said that it is unclear if the North has achieved warhead reentry technology.

The defense chief also said that North Korea is ready to conduct an underground nuclear test at any time.

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