N.Korea conducts second-known missile test
North Korea has fired a newly developed anti-aircraft missile, the second-known test in a week, even as it makes reconciliatory overtures towards South Korea.
The test took place on Thursday, two days after the country launched a previously unseen hypersonic missile.
The anti-aircraft missile had a remarkable combat performance and included twin rudder controls and other new technologies.
North Korea resumed its missile tests in September after a six-month lull, firing a nuclear-capable cruise missile and then a pair of railway-borne ballistic missiles.
South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense stated that, “It was unable to immediately confirm the latest launch.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to have not attended the test, which was instead overseen by Pak Jong Chon, a member of the ruling Workers’ Party’s powerful Politburo and Central Committee.
“The remarkable combat performance of the new-type anti-aircraft missile with features of rapid responsiveness and guidance accuracy of missile control system as well as the substantial increase in the distance of downing air targets has been verified.”
North Korea has been developing increasingly sophisticated weapons saying it wants to boost its defensive capabilities amid a hostile United States and South Korea.
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Kamila/Reuters
