Attempt to intercept ballistic missile

The United States was due last night to carry out its first-ever missile defence test to involve a simulated attack by an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The test, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, was designed to reassure a wary America, in the face of growing threats from North Korea. Pyongyang has test-fired three ballistic missiles in three weeks, in an apparent demonstration of its resolve to deal with what it calls US military threats

The US military sought to manage expectations ahead of the test saying it would gain vital data regardless of whether its interceptor missile hit its target.