The US has for the first time successfully tested its defence system against an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), say officials, as stated by BBC. 

A ground-based interceptor was launched at a California air base and shot down a mock ballistic missile, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said.

The Pentagon said the test was long-planned but it comes amid increased tensions with North Korea.

The test comes after Pyongyang fired its ninth missile this year.

MDA Director Vice Adm Jim Syring called the test a "critical milestone".

"This system is vitally important to the defence of our homeland, and this test demonstrates that we have a capable, credible deterrent against a very real threat," he said on Tuesday.

It was the first live-fire test against a simulated ICBM for the Ground-Based Missile Defense (GMD).