(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
ISTANBUL – North Korea has tested a newly developed advanced air-defense missile system as part of a series of weapons tests amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media reported Thursday.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Gen. Kim Jong Sik, a member of the Central Military Commission, supervised Wednesday’s test to evaluate the system’s technical performance and reliability.
The announcement came a day after South Korea reported that Pyongyang had launched multiple missiles.
“The test-fire proved the technical specifications and reliability of the new material and intelligent multiple guided mode of the projectile, target identification and tracking capability of the air-defense missile system and its detection information processing device,” KCNA said.
North Korea also conducted a separate long-range strategic cruise missile exercise Wednesday involving a military unit stationed in the country’s eastern region.
KCNA reported that the unit carried out a simulated strike against an airport target, although it did not disclose the exact location of the exercise.
“The sub-unit involved in the drill perfectly performed its mission to strike a virtual airport target with a long-range strategic cruise missile,” the report said.
The latest exercises marked North Korea’s fourth round of reported weapons tests within a week.
Last Thursday, Pyongyang launched a 600-millimeter ultra-precision multiple rocket launcher system, followed by a test involving cluster munitions mounted on tactical ballistic missiles Saturday.
On Monday, North Korea also tested a dispersal warhead designed for a strategic cruise missile.
The successive weapons tests come as South Korea and the United States conduct joint military exercises, adding to tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang.
Relations have also been strained by an explosion inside the Demilitarized Zone on September 21 that injured three South Korean soldiers.
South Korea blamed North Korea for the incident, but Pyongyang rejected the accusation.
North Korea has also yet to respond to Seoul’s proposal to restore military communication channels aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further incidents along the heavily fortified border.
