Japan's Defense Ministry says North Korea's latest missile launch marks the 25th time the country has done so this year.

The North carried out seven launches in January, one in February, three in March and one in April. This was followed by four in May, and one each in June and August.

Three launches took place in September, and there's already been another three this month.

North Korea has been firing missiles at an unprecedented rate since late September.

Of the 24 launches that took place before Sunday's, 22 are presumed or suspected to have involved ballistic missiles.
The others are presumed to include long-range cruise missiles.