Seoul: North Korea tested a newly developed anti-aircraft missile on Thursday, according to state media KCNA, Reuters reported. The latest is out of a recent series of weapons tests by North Korea, after the denuclearisation talks with the United States reached a deadlock.
Also, this was the country's second known weapon test this week after the launch of a previously unseen hypersonic missile on Tuesday. In recent weeks, it has also tested ballistic and cruise missiles with potential nuclear capabilities.
Through the tests, North Korea is serving evidence that it has been steadily developing sophisticated weapons.
The Academy of National Defence Science (ANDS), North Korea's weapons developer, said that the test was done to confirm the functionality of the missile's launcher, radar, comprehensive battle command vehicle and combat performance. The missile has fresh, top technologies like twin rudder control and a double impulse flight engine. Its features of rapid responsiveness and guidance accuracy of the missile control system and the substantial increase in the distance of downing air targets have been verified through the tests, KCNA reported.
According to reports, the test was not witnessed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. It was conducted under the supervision of Pak Jong Chon, a member of the ruling Worker's Party's politburo and Central Committee.
However, South Korea's military informed that a detailed analysis was needed to verify the KCNA report.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council met behind closed doors to assess North Korea's latest tests and the United States administration responded that it was assessing the same.
In recent weeks, North Korea has said that its weapons tests are for boosting up the country's defences. It accused the US and South Korea of their "double standards" and "hostile policy" towards it. Kim Jong Un said on Wednesday that he had no intention to attack South Korea and was willing to reopen the severed inter-Korean hotlines.