North Korean state media reported on Sunday that leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the test-firing of two new air defense missiles, which were described as having “superior combat capability.” The launch took place on Saturday, just one day before U.S. President Donald Trump was scheduled to meet with South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, in Washington, DC.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the missiles demonstrated a “fast response” to aerial targets, including attack drones and cruise missiles. Officials claimed the system uses “unique and special technology,” but they did not release any further technical details or information about the test site.
This test is the latest in a series of military activities by Pyongyang amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Border Tensions Rise
The missile launch coincides with the annual joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea. Earlier in the week, South Korean forces fired warning shots after approximately 30 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border, as reported by the United Nations Command.
North Korean state media quoted Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong Chol, who called the border incident a “premeditated and deliberate provocation.” He warned that such actions could push the situation into an “uncontrollable phase.”
President Lee Jae-myung, who took office promising warmer relations and “military trust” with Pyongyang, is facing an early challenge to his diplomatic approach. Despite his outreach, North Korea has dismissed the possibility of improved ties with Seoul, insisting it will continue to build up its military strength.
