Seoul officials have claimed that North Korea test-fired a presumed new solid-fuel rocket on Tuesday.

The South Korean military detected the launch of a possible intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) near Pyongyang, which then plunged into the sea off the country’s east coast. North Korea has not yet commented on the reported launch.

This suspected test comes just before legislative elections in South Korea, which will gauge support for President Yoon Suk-yeol, known for his tough stance against Pyongyang.

In recent weeks, North Korea has increased its weapons testing following Kim Jong-un’s declaration to end the policy of seeking reconciliation with the South.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) previously reported a test of a multi-stage, solid-fueled rocket engine for a “new-type intermediate-range hypersonic missile.”

The development of the IRBM system is seen as crucial for North Korea’s security in the event of a regional conflict, as their intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) could potentially reach the United States mainland.