North Korea successfully tested its latest air defense missile system.

(CLO) North Korea has successfully tested its latest anti-aircraft missile system, which has entered the mass production stage. Leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the launch, according to the official news agency KCNA on Friday.

The test, conducted by North Korea's Missile Administration on Thursday, was aimed at comprehensively assessing the combat performance of the system, which is being mass-produced at a weapons factory.

North Korea's test of a new air defense missile system on March 20, 2025. Photo: KCNA

KCNA reported that Kim Jong Un and key members of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea participated in monitoring and evaluating the missile system, concluding that it possesses superior rapid combat response capabilities and high reliability.

Images released by North Korean media show a missile being launched into the sky, hitting its target and exploding, while Kim Jong Un smiles with satisfaction at the test results.

Kim Jong-un declared that the North Korean military would be equipped with “an advanced air defense weapons system with commendable combat performance.” He also thanked the research team and the defense industry for their contributions to strengthening the nation’s defense capabilities.

North Korea's missile test comes as South Korea and the United States concluded their annual "Freedom Shield" joint military exercise on Thursday.

Cao Phong (according to KCNA, Yonhap)