North Korea Tests New Air Defense Missile System - Thairath English

North Korean media revealed they tested a newly designed air defense missile system alongside drills firing strategic cruise missiles amid recent demonstrations of various weapon capabilities.

On 5 Nov 2026 GMT+7, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea tested a newly designed air defense missile system and conducted drills firing strategic cruise missiles. This latest weapons demonstration aimed to assess technical characteristics, with test results confirming the technical properties and reliability of new materials as well as a multifunctional intelligent guidance system.

The report also stated that the test demonstrated the system's ability to detect and track targets, as well as the reliability of data processing equipment linked to detection systems, though no further details on the new materials were disclosed.

In addition, the long-range strategic cruise missile unit in North Korea's eastern forces conducted a cruise missile firing drill on Wednesday. KCNA stated the unit successfully completed a mission to attack a simulated target representing an airport.

In recent weeks, North Korea has showcased capabilities of various weapons including cluster bombs, attack drones, precision-guided torpedo systems, and medium-range hypersonic missiles. Their cruise missile tests are not subject to prohibitions under United Nations Security Council sanctions, unlike ballistic missile launches.