North Korea Conducts Successful Test of Surface-to-Air Missile
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Synopsis
On March 21, North Korea successfully conducted a test of its latest surface-to-air missile system amidst the conclusion of joint military drills by South Korea and the United States. The test was overseen by Kim Jong-un, who praised the missile's performance.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea test-fired a new surface-to-air missile system.
- The launch was supervised by Kim Jong-un.
- South Korea and the US concluded their annual military drills.
- North Korea claims the missile's performance is reliable.
- Potential provocations from North Korea are being monitored.
Seoul, March 21 (NationPress) North Korea has achieved a successful test launch of its new surface-to-air missile system, as reported by state media on Friday. This comes as South Korea and the United States concluded their annual joint military exercises.
Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, supervised the launch of the recently developed anti-aircraft missile system that has now entered full-scale production, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The purpose of this test-firing was to evaluate the system's comprehensive performance. North Korea claimed that the missile demonstrated a fast combat response that is both advantageous and highly reliable.
Images released alongside the report depicted a missile being launched and striking a target, with Kim appearing pleased with the results.
Kim noted that the military will soon be equipped with another major defense weapon system that boasts impressive combat capabilities. He expressed appreciation to the research team and relevant munitions industry for enhancing the nation's defense.
The military of South Korea reported that it detected multiple surface-to-air missile launches in real-time from North Korea's western port city of Nampho, with further analysis ongoing, as per Yonhap news agency.
The launch occurred around 9 a.m., just before South Korea and the U.S. announced the end of their annual Freedom Shield exercise, which lasted 11 days, according to a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) official.
Another military source indicated that North Korea likely employed a cruise missile as a target during the surface-to-air missile test.
"An anti-aircraft or surface-to-air missile serves defensive purposes. However, since a cruise missile can be utilized for attacks against us, we are paying special attention to this aspect," the official shared with reporters.
North Korea has condemned the joint drills as an invasion rehearsal and has a history of conducting weapons tests in response, though it refrained from significant provocations this year.
In response, South Korea issued a warning regarding potential provocations from North Korea.
"I reiterate that our military exercises are annual and defensive, aimed at deterring war and maintaining peace," stated Kim In-ae, the deputy spokesperson at Seoul's Unification Ministry, during a regular press briefing.
North Korea should not misinterpret the exercises as a reason for provocation.
