North Korea successfully tests new weapon under Kim Jong Un's supervision

North Korea announced on Tuesday that leader Kim Jong-un witnessed the successful test of a new combat weapon system, describing it as a display of ultra-modern defense technology, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The test took place on Sunday in the presence of Kim, who emphasized the significance of the development, stating that it marked a major stride in the modernization of North Korea's armed forces.

While North Korea did not reveal the exact nature of the weapon, KCNA highlighted the test's impact, asserting that it was a "striking demonstration of ultra-modern defense technology and clear progress in the modernization of the armed forces." The report came two days after South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that North Korea had launched two short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea from the Wonsan region.

These launches occurred prior to the commencement of the United Nations General Assembly's high-level general debate and the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.

Kim Jong-un's statement underscored the importance of such technological advancements, asserting that the enemy would gain a clearer understanding of the implications of these developments without further elaboration on military technology. The KCNA added that such progress would undoubtedly pose a significant challenge and a harsh blow to the enemy.

Photos released by KCNA depicted Kim Jong-un's daughter, Ju-ae, accompanying him during the test, with a screen displaying the words "Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 flight trajectory." The screen also displayed a flight distance of 908.2 kilometers, a figure that exceeded the JCS's estimate of 450 km to 600 km. However, experts suggested that North Korea might have altered the distance to claim the test's success.