North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has personally overseen the test-firing of two new air defence missiles, state media reported on Sunday, describing the weapons as having “superior combat capability.”
The launch took place on Saturday, a day before U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, in Washington, DC.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missiles showed a “fast response” to aerial targets such as attack drones and cruise missiles. Officials claimed the system operates on “unique and special technology,” though no further technical details or test location were disclosed.
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The test adds to a series of recent military activities by Pyongyang at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Border tensions escalate
The missile launch coincides with annual U.S.-South Korea joint military drills. Earlier in the week, South Korean forces fired warning shots after about 30 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border, according to the United Nations Command.
North Korean state media quoted Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong Chol as calling the incident a “premeditated and deliberate provocation.” He warned that such actions risk pushing the situation into an “uncontrollable phase.”
President Lee Jae-myung, who took office pledging warmer ties and “military trust” with Pyongyang, faces an early test of his approach. Despite his outreach, North Korea has dismissed prospects of improved relations with Seoul, insisting it will continue strengthening its military capabilities.
