North Korea reportedly launches two new missiles for air defense, according to state media reports.
In a recent development, North Korea has been making headlines with its military activities. According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, more than 10,000 soldiers from North Korea were reportedly sent to Russia in 2024, primarily to the Kursk region. This deployment was accompanied by artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.
The test-firing of two new air defense missiles was overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Saturday. The operation and reaction mode of these missiles are based on unique and special technology, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Photos released by KCNA show air defense missiles soaring into the sky and the flash of an interception of an incoming projectile.
The development of these missile systems is aimed at countering drones and cruise missiles, according to analysts. The responsibility for this development lies with North Korean military research and defense agencies; however, specific individuals or exact organizational names have not been publicly disclosed.
The incident on the border between North and South Korea, where around 30 North Korean troops crossed the border on Tuesday, has been seen as a "very serious prelude" that could drive the situation in the southern border area to an uncontrollable phase, according to Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong Chol. South Korea's military fired warning shots at several North Korean soldiers who crossed the border earlier in the week.
North Korea has accused South Korea of fomenting tensions on the border, with Pyongyang state media quoting Ko Jong Chol as saying the incident was a "premeditated and deliberate provocation". South Korean President Lee has sought warmer ties with the nuclear-armed North but Pyongyang has said it has no interest in improving relations with Seoul.
Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung is currently on a trip to Tokyo for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. He is also scheduled to depart for a summit with US President Donald Trump. During the Tokyo summit, Lee Jae-myung and Shigeru Ishiba vowed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and their trilateral partnership with the United States to address common challenges, including North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
Reports suggest that around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded fighting for Russia. The two missile weapon systems tested have superior combat capability, according to the KCNA. The KCNA report did not specify where the test was conducted.
Some analysts believe that the acceleration in the development of North Korea's air defense missiles may be a response to lessons learned from fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine. This development underscores the need for continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
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