North Korea tests new 'cruise missile' system

North Korea announced that it tested a new air defense missile system and conducted a drill on directing strikes with strategic cruise missiles, according to state media, in the latest display of Pyongyang’s military capabilities. These tests are part of a series of intensive military exercises in recent weeks, which included cluster munitions, attack drones, precision-guided torpedoes, and a medium-range hypersonic missile. The official Korean Central News Agency reported that the newly designed air defense missile system underwent a launch test to verify its technical specifications. The agency noted that the test confirmed the technical specifications and reliability of the new materials, without providing details on the materials used. It added that the test also demonstrated the system’s ability to identify and track targets. The agency also stated that a subunit of a long-range strategic cruise missile unit in eastern North Korea conducted a strike-direction drill on Wednesday. It confirmed that the unit “successfully carried out its mission, targeting a virtual airport using a long-range strategic cruise missile.”