Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters – North Korea launched an anti-aircraft missile that was newly designed on Thursday. This is the latest of its series of weapon tests in the midst of deadlocked talks on denuclearisation with the United States.

This was North Korea’s second weapon test of the week, following Tuesday’s launch of a previously unknown hypersonic missile. In recent weeks, it has fired several ballistic missiles and cruise missiles with possible nuclear capability.

Tests revealed that North Korea was steadily developing more advanced weapons. It is now worth trying to get it to stop its nuclear and missile programs in return for U.S. Sanction Relief.

According to the official KCNA news agency the Academy of Defence Science was a developer of military weapons and said that the test was meant to verify the missile’s practical functionality, launcher, radar, complete battle command vehicle, combat performance and other aspects.

This missile also features key technology such as twin-rudder control system and double impulse flight engines.

Kim Jong Un seems to not have been at the test. The test was instead overseen and managed by Pak Jong Chon (a member of Workers’ Party’s strong politburo, Central Committee)

“The astonishing combat performance, with features such as rapid responsiveness to missile control systems and accuracy in guidance of missiles, as well as significant increase in distance for downing air targets have been proven,” KCNA stated, citing an academy.

In recent weeks, Pyongyang claimed that the weapons tests were intended to improve self-defense capabilities. The United States and South Korea have been accused of having “double standards” or a hostile policy towards it.

Kim stated Wednesday that he doesn’t have any reasons to strike South Korea, and is open to the possibility of reopening severed inter-Korean hotlines in the next month. However, it criticised U.S. President Joe Biden for “more cunning means and methods” in proposing dialogue while pursuing hostile policies.

Analysts believe the North is using a carrot-and-stick strategy to secure international recognition of its nuclear weapons status and create a wedge between them. They also have an eye on South Korean President Moon Jae In’s desire to leave a legacy diplomatically before his term expires in May.

Biden’s administration stated that it does not have hostile intentions toward North Korea, and called upon Pyongyang for talks to end the impasse in denuclearization negotiations.