North Korea's missile agency fired two air defense missiles at different targets on 23/8, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today, without specifying the location.
The test took place under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un, along with party and military officials, including air force commander Kim Kwang-hyok.
According to KCNA, the results showed that the two air defense missiles demonstrated "superior combat capabilities" and the ability to "react quickly" to aerial targets such as attack drones or cruise missiles.
The news agency did not provide details about the missile specifications, only describing that "its operation and response are based on a special technology". It is currently unclear whether this special technology was developed by North Korea or received external support.
 |
Images related to the air defense missile test on 23/8 released by KCNA. Photo: KCNA |
Images related to the air defense missile test on 23/8 released by KCNA. Photo: KCNA
Tensions between the two Koreas have recently increased as North Korea steps up weapons testing and issues deterrent messages, while South Korea also increases joint military exercises with its ally, the US. Pyongyang calls the joint exercises between Washington and Seoul "rehearsals for invading North Korea".
South Korea said on 23/8 that its soldiers fired warning shots after discovering a North Korean soldier crossing the demarcation line at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on 19/8. North Korea's Vice Chief of the General Staff, Ko Jong-chol, said South Korea had carried out a "serious provocative act" towards North Korean soldiers who were erecting barriers to close the border between the two countries.
North Korea also attacked South Korea this week for holding the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise with the US, saying Seoul was only "pretending to support peace".
Technically, North Korea and South Korea are still at war, as the 1950-1953 war ended with an armistice agreement, not a peace treaty.
Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, AFP)
