N.Korea reports 2 types of new, improved air-defense missiles tested
NHKAUG 2025
North Korea Tests New Air Defense Missiles
Above: A joint striking drill conducted by the Korean People's Army at an undisclosed location in North Korea on May 9, 2025. Image credit: Kim Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-North Korea narrative
North Korea's missile tests represent a legitimate defensive response to ongoing US-South Korea joint military exercises that threaten regional stability. These air defense systems specifically counter drone and cruise missile threats, showing Pyongyang's focus on protecting against actual security challenges rather than offensive aggression.
Anti-North Korea narrative
The timing of these missile tests during diplomatic summits demonstrates North Korea's continued rejection of peaceful dialogue and commitment to military escalation. Kim's weapons development, supported by Russian technology transfers, directly undermines regional security and international efforts toward denuclearization.