SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of two new types of anti-air missiles, according to state media reports on Sunday. This military exercise was conducted as South Korean and U.S. forces participated in joint drills, showcasing North Korea's expanding military capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.
The North's state-controlled Korean Central News Agency reported that the tests, which took place on Saturday, demonstrated the effectiveness of these missiles in countering aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. Kim Jong Un subsequently assigned unspecified "important" tasks to defense scientists in preparation for a significant political conference anticipated early next year. However, the report did not disclose the specific models of missiles tested or their launch location, nor did it include any comments from Kim directed towards the United States or South Korea.
This missile test occurred concurrently with a visit by new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Tokyo, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders committed to bolstering their bilateral cooperation and enhancing their trilateral partnership with the United States to address mutual challenges, particularly concerning North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Following the summit, Lee was scheduled to travel to Washington for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Kim Jong Un's administration has consistently rejected proposals from Seoul and Washington to resume long-stalled negotiations aimed at curtailing his nuclear weapons and missile programs. Instead, Kim has been prioritizing relations with Russia as part of a broader foreign policy strategy aimed at strengthening ties with nations that confront the U.S.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has allegedly dispatched thousands of troops, along with substantial quantities of military supplies, including artillery and ballistic missiles, to support Russian President Vladimir Putin's military operations. This collaboration has raised alarms that Russia may provide technological assistance that could enhance North Korea's nuclear-capable military forces. Experts suggest that North Korea's outdated anti-air and radar systems could benefit from such cooperation.
In November, South Korea's previous conservative administration reported that Russia had supplied missiles and other military equipment to improve the air defenses of Pyongyang, although the specific systems provided were not clarified. Furthermore, Kim held a ceremony last week in Pyongyang to honor North Korean soldiers who had allegedly fought in Ukraine. He awarded state "hero" titles to returning soldiers and laid medals alongside portraits of the deceased, praising them as "great men, great heroes, and great patriots," as noted by state media.
According to assessments from South Korean intelligence, North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 troops to support Russia since last fall, with around 600 reported casualties in combat. Additionally, there are plans for North Korea to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Russia's Kursk region, with intelligence suggesting this deployment could happen shortly.
