N. Korea tests new air defense missile, holds cruise missile drill

North Korea recently conducted a series of military exercises, including a test firing of a new air-defense missile system and a strategic cruise-missile strike drill, according to state media. These demonstrations come amid a series of weapons displays over the past weeks, featuring cluster munitions, attack drones, a precision-guided torpedo system, and an intermediate-range hypersonic missile.

South Korean military reported detecting several missiles launched from North Korea's Sondok area into the Sea of Japan. The newly developed air-defense missile system was tested to verify its technical specifications and reliability, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The test also showcased the missile system's capability to detect and track targets, as well as the effectiveness of its detection data processing device.

Additionally, a long-range strategic cruise-missile unit in eastern North Korea conducted a strike drill on Wednesday, successfully striking a virtual airport target with the missile. These exercises were aimed at maintaining the technical high level and improving the combat reliability of the strategic weapon. Unlike ballistic missile launches, North Korean cruise missile tests are not subject to UN Security Council sanctions.