North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the testing of a new weapons system, with state media describing the trial as a demonstration of the country’s growing defence capabilities.
The announcement came two days after South Korea and Japan reported that North Korea had launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards waters off its east coast. Both countries condemned the launches and said they posed a threat to regional security.
North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Tuesday that the country’s missile bureau successfully tested the “new-type weapon” on Sunday in Kim’s presence. Pyongyang did not identify the weapon or provide technical details about the system.
According to KCNA, Kim praised the test as a demonstration of “ultra-modern defense technology” and said the development would present a serious challenge to North Korea’s adversaries.
Kim stresses military readiness
Kim linked the latest weapons development to North Korea’s broader efforts to strengthen its armed forces.
He said obtaining the technology was significant for the country’s wartime preparedness and the future development of its military, according to KCNA.
The test followed another North Korean weapons exercise conducted eight days earlier. Pyongyang had fired several short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, describing the activity as a combined firepower drill.
North Korean state media said the exercise included long-range artillery and missiles and claimed the weapons hit their targets with “100 percent accuracy”.
Seoul and Tokyo protest missile launches
South Korea condemned the latest launches as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and called on Pyongyang to stop its ballistic missile activities.
Japan also lodged a strong protest with North Korea, saying the launches posed a threat to peace and security in the region.
The latest developments come as North Korea continues to advance its missile and nuclear programmes despite international pressure.
North Korea doubles down on nuclear status
Pyongyang has repeatedly declared that its nuclear weapons programme is permanent and irreversible. Last week, North Korea rejected an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution urging it to halt its nuclear activities.
A spokesperson for North Korea’s foreign ministry said the resolution would have no impact on the country’s status as a nuclear weapons state.
Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister and a senior North Korean official, has also recently described the country’s nuclear status as “absolute” and dismissed hopes of denuclearisation.
The latest weapons test underlines Pyongyang’s continued focus on expanding its military capabilities while maintaining its stated commitment to its nuclear arsenal.
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