North Korea Announces Test Of ‘New’ Air Defense Missiles Amid Border Tensions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the launch of two “new” air defense missiles, state media reported, following Pyongyang’s accusations that Seoul is escalating tensions along the border.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the launches, carried out yesterday, demonstrated that the two “improved” missile systems possess “superior combat capability.”

The KCNA report offered little detail about the missiles themselves, saying only that their “operation and reaction mode is based on unique and special technology.” The location of the test was not disclosed.

“The firing particularly proved that the technological features of two types of projectiles are very suitable for destroying various aerial targets,” KCNA stated.

The same day, Kim reportedly gave the defense science sector an “important task” to complete ahead of an upcoming party meeting.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s military confirmed it had fired warning shots on Tuesday after several North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the heavily fortified border dividing the two countries.

According to Yonhap news agency, the UN Command reported that as many as 30 North Korean troops entered South Korean territory during the incident.

North Korean state media quoted Army Lieutenant General Ko Jong Chol, who denounced the event as a “premeditated and deliberate provocation.”

“This is a very serious prelude that would inevitably drive the situation in the southern border area where a huge number of forces are [stationed] in confrontation with each other to the uncontrollable phase,” Ko warned.

South Korea’s recently elected president, Lee Jae Myung, has pledged to foster closer ties with Pyongyang and build “military trust.” However, North Korea has dismissed the prospect of improved relations with Seoul.

The missile launches coincide with large-scale joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, drills that Pyongyang has long condemned as preparations for invasion.

North Korea, which invaded South Korea in 1950 to spark the Korean War, has consistently viewed such exercises as a direct threat.