North Korea test-fired a newly build anti-aircraft missile on Thursday, state media KCNA reported, the latest in a recent series of weapons tests.
This test was the second known weapons test of North Korea after the launch of a previously unseen hypersonic missile on Tuesday. It has also fired ballistic missiles and a cruise missile with potential nuclear capabilities recently.
The test showed North Korea’s steady development of sophisticated weapons, raising the stakes for efforts to press it to give in its nuclear and missile programmes in return for relief from sanctions imposed by the United States.
The Academy of Defence Science said that the test was aimed at confirming the practical functionality of the missile’s launcher, radar, comprehensive battle command vehicle, and combat performance, the official KCNA news agency reported on Friday.
“The remarkable combat performance of the new type anti-aircraft missile with features of rapid responsiveness and guidance accuracy of the missile control system as well as the substantial increase in the distance of downing air targets has been verified,” KCNA said, citing the academy.
