On November 4, North Korea conducted tests of a new air defense system and launched several missiles toward the East Sea. This was reported by North Korean state media, and the missile launches were confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Air defense system tests overseen by Kim Jong Sik
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests of the new air defense system took place on Wednesday, November 4. They were carried out by the DPRK Missile General Bureau under the direct supervision of Kim Jong Sik, a member of the Central Military Commission. Pyongyang stated that the tests confirmed the technical specifications and reliability of the missile's new components and practiced the intelligent multi-guidance mode of the warhead.
Furthermore, the capabilities of the air defense system in detecting, identifying, and tracking targets were tested, as well as the functioning of the data processing device. North Korean military officials emphasized that all claimed weapon parameters met the established requirements.
Cruise missile drills in the eastern part of the country
On the same day, a strategic long-range cruise missile unit stationed in the eastern part of the DPRK held separate live-fire drills. Military personnel practiced striking a simulated target, an airfield. Thus, both the air defense system and offensive missile weaponry were engaged within a single day.
Seoul’s assessment: launch from Sondok area
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that early on the morning of November 4, North Korea fired several missiles from the Sondok area in South Hamgyong Province toward the East Sea. According to Seoul's preliminary estimates, the missiles traveled a distance of less than 300 kilometers. The South Korean military did not rule out that the launched projectiles could have included a short-range ballistic missile.
Fourth test in a month
The new tests come amid a noticeable intensification of Pyongyang's missile program. According to Reuters, the current launch marks the fourth North Korean weapons test in the last month. Previously, the DPRK also announced tests of a strategic cruise missile with a cluster warhead. The increasing frequency of missile launches is linked to the strengthening of the regime's defense policy and the demonstration of the armed forces' technical capabilities.
