North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the test-firing of two newly developed air defence missiles, state media reported Sunday, shortly after Pyongyang accused Seoul of stoking tensions along the border.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the launches, conducted on Saturday, demonstrated that the two “enhanced” missile systems possessed “superior combat capability.”
The agency did not provide specific details about the missiles or the test site, only noting that their “operation and reaction mode is based on unique and special technology.” KCNA added that the firing confirmed the projectiles were highly effective in targeting and destroying a range of aerial threats.
Photos released by state media showed missiles streaking into the sky and what appeared to be the interception of incoming targets.
Other images showed Kim receiving a briefing from military officials, with binoculars placed beside him on his desk.
The report also said Kim assigned an “important task” to the country’s defence science sector ahead of a key ruling party meeting.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s military said it fired warning shots on Saturday after several North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border earlier in the week.
According to UN Command, about 30 North Korean troops crossed the boundary line on Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported.
Pyongyang’s state media later quoted Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong Chol, who labelled the incident a “premeditated and deliberate provocation.”
“This is a very serious prelude that would inevitably drive the situation in the southern border area where a huge number of forces are stationing in confrontation with each other to the uncontrollable phase,” Ko said.
Ukraine lesson
Analysts say Pyongyang appears to be accelerating the development of air defence missiles aimed at countering drones, citing the KCNA report that specifically mentioned “drones and cruise missiles”.
“The North is bolstering air defence missiles against low-altitude flying drones and cruise missiles,” said Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
The development of such air defence missiles attests to “Pyongyang’s recognition of the necessity to enhance its capabilities based on lessons it learned” fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine, he added.
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have said the North sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia in 2024 primarily to the Kursk region along with artillery shells, missiles and long-range rocket systems.
Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded fighting for Russia, Seoul has said.
New South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has sought warmer ties with the nuclear-armed North and vowed to build “military trust”, but Pyongyang has said it has no interest in improving relations with Seoul.
