North Korea announced on August 24 that it had conducted test firings of two upgraded types of surface-to-air missiles under the supervision of Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that on the previous day, the Missile Industry Department of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea carried out firings at a variety of targets to evaluate the combat performance of two enhanced types of new surface-to-air missiles.
Kim was present at the site, accompanied by key officials including Jo Chun-ryong, Secretary of the Party Central Committee; Kim Jong-sik, First Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee; Air Force General Kim Kwang-hyok, Commander of the Air Force; and Kim Yong Hwan, Director of the Defense Science Institute.
According to the report, the firings demonstrated that the new surface-to-air missile system exhibits superior responsiveness to diverse aerial targets, including unmanned attack aircraft and cruise missiles. The system’s operational and response mechanisms are based on unique, specialized technologies.
The report emphasized that the technical characteristics of the two upgraded munition types are particularly well-suited for engaging a wide range of aerial targets.
The news agency also noted that Kim outlined important tasks to be addressed in defense science research ahead of the upcoming Party Congress, although specific details were not disclosed. North Korea is expected to hold its 9th Workers’ Party Congress either late this year or early next year.