North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Oversees New Anti-Air Missile Tests Amid Rising Tensions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the test-firing of two newly developed anti-air missiles, state media reported on Sunday, underscoring Pyongyang’s push to expand its military capabilities as the US and South Korea conduct joint drills.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests on Saturday demonstrated the missiles’ effectiveness against aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. Kim also tasked defense scientists with “important” assignments ahead of a major political conference next year. However, the report did not specify the missile types or testing locations, nor did it include direct remarks aimed at Washington or Seoul.
The launch coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, where both pledged deeper security cooperation with the US to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. Lee is set to continue to Washington for a summit with US President Donald Trump.
Pyongyang has rejected calls from Seoul and Washington to resume nuclear talks, instead strengthening ties with Moscow. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of troops and significant weaponry — including artillery and ballistic missiles — to aid Russia. In return, experts warn that Moscow may share military technology to modernize Pyongyang’s outdated air defense systems.
South Korean intelligence estimates around 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia since last year, with some 600 killed in action. Kim recently honored troops who fought in Ukraine, granting state hero titles to survivors and posthumous medals to the fallen. Plans are also underway to send military construction workers and deminers to Russia’s Kursk region.
Comments are closed.