North Korea Claims Successful Test of New Long-Range Anti-Air Missile, Watched by Kim Jong Un
North Korea announced on Dec. 25 it tested a new long-range anti-air missile in the East Sea, with Kim Jong Un present. The missile reportedly hit a mock target at a 200 km altitude.
Pyongyang sent a message on Christmas Day, but it wasn't one of peace. North Korea's state media announced on Thursday that the country successfully test-fired a new long-range anti-air missile, with leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the launch.
Hitting a Target at 200 km Altitude
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the test was conducted by the Missile Administration on the previous day, December 24, in the East Sea. The report says the launched missiles accurately hit mock targets at an altitude of 200 km. The firing was reportedly the first assessment of the new weapon system's tactical and technical features.
Framed as a 'Routine' Activity
Pyongyang framed the test as "part of the routine activities" aimed at technical optimization by its missile agency and other weapons research institutes. KCNA also reported that Kim Jong Un "extended congratulations on the successful test-fire." The event highlights North Korea's focus on not only offensive ballistic missiles but also its defensive capabilities.
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