Kim Jong Un watches trial of latest surface-to-sea missiles

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has supervised the testing of new surface-to-sea missiles, as reported by state media. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the test occurred after South Korea’s military reported North Korea's firing of multiple cruise missiles near Wonsan, marking Pyongyang's sixth missile launch event this year.

According to KCNA, Kim oversaw the evaluation test-fire of the new-type surface-to-sea missile Padasuri-6, expressing satisfaction with the results as the missiles successfully hit their targets after flying over the East Sea for 1,400 seconds (known internationally as the Sea of Japan).

Kim criticized South Korea for allegedly violating North Korean sovereignty by insisting on the Northern Limit Line (NLL), a maritime demarcation line between the two Koreas. He ordered his military to enhance readiness in waters near Yeonpyeong Island and the western region of the Korean peninsula, particularly in the area of the NLL, where past clashes have occurred.

The NLL, established by the United States-led United Nations Command after the Korean War in 1953, has been a point of contention between the Koreas. Kim denounced it as lacking legal basis under international law and warned of considering any violation as an armed provocation.

Earlier this year, Kim declared North Korea's abandonment of the NLL and reconciliation efforts with Seoul, vowing to respond forcefully to any infringement of its territorial sovereignty.

In addition to overseeing the missile test, Kim inspected a major munitions factory, emphasizing its role in strengthening North Korea's armed forces. He outlined tasks to enhance munitions quality and production in response to the current situation and the ongoing revolution.

Kim's visit to the munitions factory coincides with accusations from the US and its allies, alleging North Korea's arms trade with Russia. The White House recently claimed that Russia utilized short-range ballistic missiles sourced from North Korea in strikes against Ukraine, citing newly declassified intelligence.