North Korea has succeeded in the test launch of its latest surface-to-air missile, the Korean Central News Agency reported on 21st.
According to the report, North Korea's missile industry has conducted a test launch for comprehensive combat performance inspection of its latest surface-to-air weapons systems, which began full-scale production on the 20th.
Kim Jong Un, Chairperson of the State Affairs Commission, visited the test launch site with key members of the Party Central Military Commission but the news agency did not mention specific details regarding the launch location. The name of the tested weapons systems was also not mentioned in the report.
North Korean media also released photos showing the missile hitting a target at sea and exploding in the air, as well as Kim observing the test results on a monitor and expressing satisfaction.
The Korean Central News Agency stated that through this test launch, the latest surface-to-air weapons systems were evaluated to have superior 'combat responsiveness' and a very high level of overall reliability.
Kim noted, 'We will equip our military with another significant defensive weapons system boasting commendable combat performance,' and expressed gratitude to the research group for the surface-to-air weapons systems and the respective munitions industry.
South Korean military authorities reported that North Korea launched several surface-to-air missiles toward airborne targets off the West Sea from the Oncheon County area of Nampho City the day before the announcement of the end of the South Korea-U.S. joint exercise 'Freedom Shield' (FS). However, the military said it did not disclose this information because the missiles did not fall under UN sanctions violations.
A Joint Chiefs of Staff official said, 'We were aware of North Korea's missile launch potential and were prepared in advance, and we responded in real-time,' adding, 'We are currently analyzing the specific data.'