North Korea has tested a new long-range cruise missile capable of hitting much of Japan, state media said on Monday, writes BBC.

Tests staged over the weekend saw missiles travelling as far as 1,500km away, according to KCNA.

However, they do not violate UN Security Council resolutions - they have led to tough sanctions on North Korea in the past.

But it suggests the country is still capable of developing weapons despite food shortages and an economic crisis.

It is the country’s first long-range cruise missile that could possibly carry a nuclear warhead, according to North Korea analyst Ankit Panda.

UN Security Council sanctions forbid North Korea from testing ballistic missiles.