Kim Jong Un Oversees Test-Firing of North Korea’s Anti-Aircraft Missiles
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of an anti-aircraft missile system, likely with Russian assistance. The missile’s successful demonstration of reliability was noted, amid ongoing tensions with South Korea and the U.S. regarding military drills. North Korea criticized these exercises, labeling them a “rehearsal of war” and indicated readiness to consider all options, including military means, for containment.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firing of the nation’s advanced anti-aircraft missile system, as reported by state media KCNA. Experts speculate that North Korea may be acquiring technical assistance from Russia to refine these systems. Kim expressed gratitude towards the research group involved, indicating that the missile demonstrated reliability and advantageous combat response during the tests conducted on Thursday.
The test was executed by the Missile Administration to assess the performance of a system that has already begun production. Although KCNA did not disclose the specific test location, it confirmed that Kim was accompanied by members of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. Visual documentation provided by KCNA depicted the missile launching with a visible plume and an explosion in mid-air, alongside images of Kim observing the event with a smile.
Analysts suggest that North Korea may be receiving assistance from Russia for its anti-aircraft missile technology due to their increasingly intertwined security relations. Expert Shin Seung-ki from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses stated, “In the past, North Korea has introduced Soviet weapon systems and developed weapons based on them, and it is highly likely that Russia has given correspondingly what North Korea demands because of the strengthening of cooperation.” He highlighted the complexity involved in creating interceptor missiles, emphasizing the necessity of additional support for detection and tracking radars.
South Korea’s military was reportedly aware of the potential missile launch, which occurred at around 9 a.m. in North Korea. This unveiling transpired on the same day that Seoul and Washington concluded their annual joint military exercises, Freedom Shield. Though these drills are termed defensive, North Korea condemns them as a prelude to invasion. A spokesperson for North Korea’s defense ministry characterized the recent joint drills by both nations as reckless, branding them “a rehearsal of war” and indicating that all options to counter the U.S. and South Korea, including employing the most destructive military means, remain under consideration.
In summary, Kim Jong Un’s recent oversight of missile tests highlights North Korea’s advancements in military technology, potentially with assistance from Russia. This development occurs in the context of heightened tensions surrounding U.S.-South Korea military drills, which North Korea views as aggressive. The complexity in manufacturing sophisticated missile systems underscores the importance of international cooperation in defense technologies and elevates concerns regarding regional security dynamics.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
