North Korea test-fires two new air defence missiles: KCNA
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of anti-aircraft missiles, said KCNA.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SEOUL – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a test-firing of two new air defence missiles, state media said on Aug 24, after Pyongyang accused Seoul of fomenting tensions on the border.
The test-firing on Aug 23 showed that the two “improved” missile weapon systems had “superior combat capability”, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
The report, which noted that the missiles’ “operation and reaction mode is based on unique and special technology”, did not specify where the test was conducted.
“The firing particularly proved that the technological features of two types of projectiles are very suitable for destroying various aerial targets,” KCNA said.
Photos it released show the missiles soaring into the sky and the flash of the purported interception of an incoming projectile.
Mr Kim is pictured listening to a briefing by a military official, a pair of binoculars sitting next to him on his desk.
He separately communicated an “important task” for the defence science sector to carry out before a key party meeting, the report added.
South Korea’s military said on Aug 23 it fired warning shots at several North Korean soldiers who briefly crossed the heavily militarised border separating the two countries earlier last week.
UN Command put the number of North Korean troops that crossed the border on Aug 19 at 30, Yonhap news agency reported on Aug 24.
Pyongyang state media quoted Army Lieutenant-General Ko Jong-chol as saying the incident was a “premeditated and deliberate provocation”.
“This is a very serious prelude that would inevitably drive the situation in the southern border area where a huge number of forces are stationing in confrontation with each other to the uncontrollable phase.”
Ukraine lesson
Analysts said Pyongyang appears to be accelerating a development of air defence missiles aimed at countering drones, citing the KCNA report that specifically mentioned “drones and cruise missiles”.
“The North is bolstering air defence missiles against low-altitude flying drones and cruise missiles,” said Dr Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
The development of such air defence missiles attests to “Pyongyang’s recognition of the necessity to enhance its capabilities... based on lessons it learnt” fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have said the North sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia in 2024 – primarily to the Kursk region – along with artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems.
Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed
New South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought warmer ties with the nuclear-armed North and vowed to build “military trust”, but Pyongyang has said it has no interest in improving relations with Seoul. AFP
