Kim present at launch

North Korea reports test of new anti-ship missile

According to North Korea, it has tested new missiles (pictured) to defend against enemy ships.(Bild: AFP/KCNA via KNS/STR)

North Korea has reportedly tested new missiles to defend against enemy ships. Leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of the "Padasuri-6" anti-ship missile on Wednesday and in particular ordered an increase in military readiness on the maritime border with South Korea, state media reported on Thursday.

At the same time, he threatened the neighboring country with military force in the event of border violations. North Korea's new weapons test came amid increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula. South Korea's military had already recorded the launch of several cruise missiles into the open sea by North Korea on Wednesday. However, it did not provide any details.

International sanctions against North Korea
According to its own statements, North Korea had recently tested strategic cruise missiles several times in order to expand the country's nuclear power. The country, under Kim's authoritarian rule, is subject to international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons and missile program.

(Bild: AFP/KCNA via KNS/STR)

The test of the "Padasuri-6", a "new type of surface-to-sea missile", was successful, according to North Korean reports. The missiles fired were intended to hit a boat in the Sea of Japan. The navy is to be equipped with the new missile in the future.

The test of the "Padasuri-6" was successful, according to North Korean media.(Bild: AFP/KCNA via KNS/STR)

Kim accused South Korea of allowing its own warships to enter North Korean waters under the pretext of controlling illegal fishing activities. South Korea is also making "desperate efforts" to maintain the so-called Northern Limit Line (NLL).

Repeatedbattles over naval forces
The area around the maritime border has repeatedly been the scene of battles between warships from both countries in the past. The NLL, which was drawn unilaterally by a UN command after the Korean War (1950 to 1953), is not recognized by North Korea.