Kim Jong Un Praises ‘New-Type Weapon’ Days After North Korea’s Missile Launch

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the test of what state media described as a “new-type weapon”, with Pyongyang presenting the development as another sign of its growing military capabilities.

The announcement was made two days after South Korea and Japan reported that North Korea had fired two short-range ballistic missiles into waters off its eastern coast. Both countries criticised the launches, saying they posed a threat to regional peace and security.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the country’s missile bureau successfully conducted the new weapons test on Sunday in Kim’s presence. The report did not reveal the type or specifications of the weapon.

KCNA quoted Kim as describing the test as a demonstration of “ultra-modern defense technology”. He also warned that such military advances would create serious challenges for North Korea’s adversaries.

Kim links weapon test to military preparedness

Kim said acquiring the technology was important for North Korea’s military readiness and the future development of its armed forces.

The latest test follows another weapons drill conducted eight days earlier, when Pyongyang fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan.

North Korean state media later described that exercise as a joint firepower drill involving long-range artillery and missiles. Pyongyang claimed the weapons struck their targets with “100 percent accuracy”.

South Korea and Japan condemn launches

Seoul condemned the latest missile activity, saying the launches violated UN Security Council resolutions and calling on Pyongyang to stop its ballistic missile tests.

Japan also lodged a protest with North Korea, describing the missile launches as a threat to regional peace and security.

The developments come amid continued international concern over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Pyongyang reaffirms nuclear status

North Korea has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear weapons programme is permanent and irreversible. Last week, Pyongyang rejected an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution calling for an end to its nuclear activities.

A North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson said the IAEA resolution would not change the country’s position as a nuclear weapons state, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s influential sister, has also recently described the country’s nuclear status as “absolute” and dismissed calls for denuclearisation.

With the latest weapons test, Pyongyang is continuing to emphasise the development of advanced military technology alongside its stated commitment to maintaining its nuclear arsenal.