On Thursday, the same day the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise Freedom Shield (FS) concluded, Kim Jong Un observed the test launch of a new surface-to-air missile and visited the Nampo Shipyard, where he underscored the importance of bolstering the country’s naval capabilities.
North Korea’s state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Friday that the Missile Industry Department conducted the test launch of the new anti-aircraft missile system the previous day. Kim Jong Un and the Party’s Central Military Commission members attended the event.
According to the newspaper, the test demonstrated the missile system’s superior responsiveness and reinforced the weapon’s overall reliability.
Kim praised the weapon’s combat performance, saying it would enhance North Korea’s defensive capabilities. He also expressed gratitude to the research team and military-industrial enterprises involved in strengthening the country’s national defense.
Surface-to-air missiles are defensive systems that target and destroy enemy aircraft or incoming missiles. North Korea did not reveal the name of the missile system it tested.
This launch came ten days after North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) into the Yellow Sea on March 10, the first day of the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. North Korea had condemned the drills as provocative actions in a statement from its Foreign Ministry.
On the same day, besides overseeing the missile test, Kim visited the Nampo Shipyard. There, he inspected various production processes and assessed the progress of the shipyard’s renovation and expansion efforts.
Kim emphasized that modernizing the shipbuilding industry and enhancing the country’s capabilities are vital for national economic development and strengthening North Korea’s naval forces. He pledged continued nationwide support for these efforts.
On March 8, Kim visited key shipyards to assess the construction of nuclear-powered strategic missile submarines.
Kim’s recent actions directly responded to the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, which wrapped up on Thursday. On the same day, North Korea’s Ministry of Defense stated its spokesperson, specifically referencing nuclear weapons removal drills conducted during the exercises. The statement warned of the “use of the most destructive and lethal military means.”
Although North Korea remained relatively quiet during most joint exercises, it seemed to showcase its military capabilities on the final day. Kim strategically moderated the level of aggression, continuing to manage tensions while asserting his country’s military strength.