Explainer-US, Asian allies launch system to track North Korea missiles in real-time

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un views the launch of a Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile during what North Korea says is a drill at an unknown location December 18, 2023 in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea, the United States and Japan said on Tuesday they have activated a new system to detect and assess North Korea's missile launches in real-time.

The announcement comes after North Korea said it had tested the isolated state's newest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Monday to gauge the war readiness of its nuclear force against mounting U.S. hostility.