North Korea test-fires its latest anti-aircraft missile weapon system

The DPRK General Directorate of Missile Affairs conducted a comprehensive combat performance test test of the latest type of air defense missile weapon system officially started production by relevant military enterprises. General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and State Chairman Kim Jong UN witnessed the test.

Xinhua quoted the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying Thursday's test confirmed that the latest type of air defense missile weapon system has superior rapid operational response capability and the overall weapon system is highly reliable. Mr. Kim said the North Korean military would be equipped with the defensive weapons system in the future.

Kcna did not specify where the test took place, but said Kim was present along with members of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea.

The joint exercises ended Thursday.

In a separate statement Thursday, Agence France-Presse quoted an unnamed spokesman for North Korea's defense Ministry as saying the military exercises were "nothing more than a drill for a war of aggression."