SEOUL, South Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the launch of two newly developed anti-air missiles, state media reported, showcasing advances in the country's weapons program as U.S. and South Korean forces conduct joint military drills.

The Korean Central News Agency said the test demonstrated the missiles' ability to counter aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. It added that Kim tasked defense scientists with "important" assignments ahead of a major political gathering scheduled for early next year. The report did not disclose the missile types tested, the location of the launch, or any remarks from Kim directed at Washington or Seoul.

The launches coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two leaders pledged to deepen cooperation and strengthen their trilateral partnership with the United States to counter common threats, particularly North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Lee has since departed for Washington, where he is due to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.

Pyongyang has dismissed repeated calls from Washington and Seoul to revive nuclear talks, which have stalled for years. Instead, Kim has leaned heavily on closer ties with Russia, pursuing a foreign policy that aligns North Korea with nations challenging U.S. influence.

Since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine, North Korea has supplied Moscow with large quantities of artillery and ballistic missiles, along with thousands of troops to fight on the front lines. South Korean intelligence estimates that since last fall, about 15,000 North Korean personnel have been deployed to Russia, with roughly 600 killed in combat. Kim has also reportedly agreed to send thousands of construction workers and deminers to Russia's Kursk region, a deployment Seoul believes could take place soon.

The military partnership has sparked concern that Russia could provide Pyongyang with advanced technology, particularly in air defense and radar systems, where North Korea remains outdated. South Korea's previous conservative administration said in November that Russia had delivered missiles and other equipment to bolster Pyongyang's defenses, though it declined to specify the systems involved.

Kim, meanwhile, has publicly celebrated North Korean troops returning from the war in Ukraine. Last week, he presided over a ceremony in Pyongyang where he awarded "hero" titles to soldiers, praised them as "great patriots," and placed medals beside 101 portraits of those killed in battle.

The latest missile test underscores North Korea's determination to expand its military strength while resisting diplomatic overtures, even as regional powers seek greater coordination in response.

Photo credit: KCNA