North Korea Test-Fires New Surface-to-Air Missile in Presence of Kim Jong Un

North Korea has conducted a test launch of a newly improved surface-to-air (anti-aircraft) missile.

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un observed the artillery shooting training competition of the People's Army's large combined units on the 23rd, according to a report by Korean Central TV on the 24th. Yonhap News Agency

According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 24th, "The Missile General Bureau carried out test firings on the 23rd to inspect the combat performance of two improved types of new anti-aircraft missiles against various targets." The agency stated, "The test demonstrated that the new anti-aircraft missile weapon systems have superior combat responsiveness against various aerial targets, including unmanned attack drones and cruise missiles, and that their operation and response methods are based on unique and special technologies."

The report also added, "The technical characteristics of the two improved types of warheads were recognized as being highly suitable for destroying various aerial targets."

This test launch was conducted in the presence of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. Ahead of the party congress, Kim provided guidance on key tasks to be carried out by the defense science research sector. Also present were Party Secretary Jo Chunryong, First Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee Kim Jeongsik, Air Force Commander General Kim Gwanghyeok, and Director of the Academy of Defense Sciences Kim Yonghwan.

This missile test by North Korea appears to be a direct response to the ongoing South Korea-US joint "Ulchi Freedom Shield" (UFS) exercise this month. The South Korean military did not make any specific comments regarding North Korea's new surface-to-air missile test conducted the previous day.

North Korea also conducted a new surface-to-air missile test during the South Korea-US joint air drills in April last year. In March of this year, North Korea announced that it had successfully test-launched the latest model of its surface-to-air missile, which recently entered mass production.