SEOUL – North Korea has test-fired a “newly developed” anti-aircraft missile, the latest in a string of recent weapons test-launches, state media reported today.
“The DPRK test-fired an anti-aircraft missile newly developed by it on September 30,” said the Korean Central News Agency, using the acronym for the country’s official name.
“The remarkable combat performance” of the missile “has been verified, with the introduction of new key technologies”, it added.
The test follows a series of weapons launches, including one this week of what the nuclear-armed nation claimed is a hypersonic gliding missile, a potential game changer as it can fly five times the speed of sound.
The tests have sparked international consternation, with the United States, Britain and France calling a United Nations Security Council meeting on North Korea set to take place today.
Earlier this month, Pyongyang announced that it successfully fired a long-range cruise missile after holding a scaled-down military parade.
The country’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes are banned under Security Council resolutions, and it is subject to multiple international sanctions as a result.
North Korea has not shown any willingness to give up its arsenal, which it said it needs to defend itself against an invasion by the US, an ally to neighbouring South Korea.
Washington and Seoul are security allies, and the US stations around 28,500 troops in the South to protect it from its northern neighbour. Last month, the two held joint military drills that always infuriate Pyongyang.
Yesterday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said North Korea is increasing “instability and insecurity” after the recent weapons tests. – AFP, October 1, 2021
