The test coincided with the conclusion of US-South Korea’s Freedom Shield exercises, which Pyongyang views as a rehearsal for a full-scale war against it.

The DPRK’s General Missile Directorate stated the “fully operational” surface-to-air missile system boasts “extremely high reliability.”

Kim Jong Un, quoted by ACNC, claimed the system demonstrated a “rapid combative reaction” and significantly enhances the country’s defense capabilities.

Prior to Freedom Shield, the DPRK warned the US and South Korea would face a “terrible price” for the exercises, which it characterized as intimidation.

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