US launches ICBM intercept rocket designed to knock Kim Jong-un’s intercontinental missile out of the sky before they hit America

The California launch is thought to be in response to North Korea's growing arsenal of weapons

Danny Collins

Published: 21:02, 30 May 2017
Updated: 12:51, 31 May 2017

THE US has successfully tested an interceptor rocket it hopes will be able to take down incoming rockets from North Korea.

A missile was launched from California in a move thought to be in response to Kim Jong-un's rocket development programme.

The missile defence system can blast rockets out of the skyCredit: EPA

The test appeared to be in response to North Korea's continued ballistic missile launchesCredit: EPA

The Ground-based Midcourse Defense was launched from California todayCredit: EPA

This was the first live-fire test of its kindCredit: Reuters

It is likely to be several hours before US officials confirm whether it was successfulCredit: Reuters

Californians were greeted with the spectacular sight of the rocket being tested this afternoonCredit: Reuters

US media tonight said the test had successfully destroyed its mock target outside the Earth's atmosphere.

The system has not been tested since 2014, and has only successfully hit its target nine times out of 17 attempts.

Today's test was launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, 60 miles south of Santa Barbara.

As part of the drill the missile knocked a mock warhead - launched from 4,200 miles away on the Marshall Islands's Kwajalein Atoll - out of the skies over the Pacific Ocean, .

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