Pyongyang:North Korea has conducted a test-firing of a tactical ballistic missile aimed at upgrading a key component of its weapons systems. The test was described as a "big success" by the country's state media on Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the test-firing occurred on October 12 as part of efforts to confirm the success in the research for the technical upgrading of an important core element, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This development is seen as a significant step in improving the performance and sophistication of North Korea's offensive weapon systems.
The test-firing was reported a day after South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected multiple ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang area towards the East Sea. The North Korean missile administration did not provide further details about the test. Meanwhile, the JCS noted that one type of missile flew more than 900 km, and both South Korean and U.S. authorities are analyzing the specifications of these missiles.
These latest launches represent North Korea's 16th ballistic missile test of the year, following a previous launch on October 3. They also came soon after South Korea announced its successful test-firing of a homegrown hypersonic glide vehicle, attended by President Lee Jae Myung. This announcement was perceived as a demonstration of South Korea's deterrence capabilities, particularly after a land mine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone injured three South Korean soldiers on September 21.