In a bold display of military capability, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firing of the nation's latest anti-aircraft missile system on Thursday, March 20, 2025. State media outlet KCNA reported that the system demonstrated high reliability and advantageous combat response during the test, which was conducted by North Korea's Missile Administration to assess the performance of a system already in production. Members of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea accompanied Kim during the event. 

This missile test coincided with the conclusion of the annual joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, known as Freedom Shield, which ended on Thursday. While Seoul and Washington describe these drills as defensive, Pyongyang has consistently criticized them as rehearsals for invasion. A spokesperson for North Korea's defense ministry labeled the recent exercises "reckless" and "a rehearsal of war," asserting that all options, including the use of the "most destructive and deadly military means," are being considered to counter U.S. and South Korean actions. 

The test-firing underscores North Korea's ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, given their potential implications for regional and global security.