North Korean leader Kim supervises the test launch of an anti-aircraft missile system

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test launch of the nation’s newest anti-aircraft missile system on Thursday, as reported by state media KCNA on Friday. Kim expressed gratitude to the research team responsible for the system, noting that the test demonstrated its “high reliability” and “advantageous” combat response, according to KCNA.

The test, carried out by North Korea’s Missile Administration, aimed to assess the performance of a system that is already in production, the report indicated.

While KCNA did not disclose the location of the test, it mentioned that Kim was accompanied by members of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. Meanwhile, Seoul and Washington concluded their annual joint military exercises, known as Freedom Shield, on Thursday. Although they assert that these drills are defensive in nature, Pyongyang has consistently called for an end to U.S.-South Korea joint exercises, labeling them as preparations for invasion.

In a statement released by KCNA, a spokesperson for North Korea’s defense ministry condemned the recent joint drills conducted by South Korea and the United States, describing them as “reckless” and a “rehearsal of war.”

The statement further indicated that all measures to counter the U.S. and South Korea were under consideration, including the potential use of “the most destructive and deadly military means,” while urging both nations’ militaries to cease their activities.