North Korea Conducts Test Launch of New Air Defense Missiles
On August 24, North Korea conducted test launches of new surface-to-air missiles, aiming to assess their operational effectiveness. The Missile General Bureau successfully deployed two enhanced missile variants, targeting multiple objectives.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, was on hand to oversee the recent testing exercises and offer direction on crucial objectives for the defense science sector. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), high-ranking officials such as Party Secretary Jo Chun-ryong, Central Committee First Deputy Director Kim Jong-sik, Air Force Commander Marshal Kim Kwang-hyok, and Academy of Defense Science Director Kim Yong-hwan were also present during the event.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) withheld details regarding the specific location of the tests and the exact missile systems deployed. According to the agency, the launches successfully showcased the missiles’ exceptional responsiveness against a range of aerial targets, such as drones and cruise missiles, highlighting their distinctive operational and technical characteristics. Released photographs depicted the missiles effectively striking aerial targets.
According to experts, the recent tests are indicative of Pyongyang’s attempts to bolster its air defense systems, drawing lessons from recent conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and other areas where drones have inflicted significant damage. Reports suggest that North Korea may have acquired technical assistance from Russia in the aftermath of its involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.
North Korea conducted a test of its new surface-to-air missile, the “Pyoljji-1-2,” during a joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States in April of the previous year. Furthermore, in March of the current year, North Korea announced the successful test-launch of its most recent surface-to-air missile, which has now reportedly entered into mass production.
