Kim Jong Un oversees North Korean intermediate-range missile drill

Yesterday 18:15

By: Azzat Manal

Kim Jong Un oversees North Korean intermediate-range missile drill

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised a military exercise involving the launch of an intermediate-range strategic missile toward waters off the country's eastern coast, state media reported on Saturday.

Kim Yo Jong, the leader's sister and a senior ruling party official, said the exercise involved a strategic weapon launched by a specialized military unit. Her statement followed the South Korean military's announcement that it had detected a ballistic missile launched from the Wonsan area at around 6:30 a.m.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile travelled more than 700 kilometers before falling into the sea. South Korean and US authorities were analyzing the launch to determine the missile's precise specifications, while intelligence agencies from the two countries shared information about the test.

North Korea described the weapon as an intermediate-range strategic missile and claimed it had advanced maneuvering capabilities. Kim Yo Jong also said the missile could alter its trajectory at low altitude and used artificial intelligence technology to complicate detection. Those claims have not been independently verified by South Korean authorities.

Japan's authorities also detected the launch and assessed that the projectile travelled roughly 680 kilometers, according to reports, before landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. Tokyo and Seoul continued to monitor the situation and coordinate with Washington.

The launch came amid renewed tensions between North and South Korea following a landmine explosion near the inter-Korean border that injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul and the UN Command said the incident was linked to mines planted by North Korea, while Pyongyang rejected the accusation.

The missile test also follows a series of weapons demonstrations by North Korea this year. South Korean authorities say Pyongyang has conducted more than 10 missile launches in 2026, with some tests taking place after North Korea objected to military cooperation and exercises involving South Korea and the United States.

The latest launch adds to tensions on the Korean Peninsula at a time when South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for renewed dialogue with Pyongyang. North Korea, however, has continued to strengthen its military capabilities while rejecting recent calls for a return to negotiations.