N. Korea says test-fired new air defense missile system, long-range cruise missile

What happened: North Korea test-fired a new air defense missile system and held a long-range strategic cruise missile strike drill against a virtual airport target, state media reported. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected multiple missiles fired toward the East Sea from the Sondok area. Key numbers: Fourth weapons test in a week. Why it matters: Experts said the tests appeared aimed at responding to Freedom Flag, the ongoing South Korea-US air drills. Kim Jong-sik criticized the combined exercises, accusing the "enemies" of intensifying military moves. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

North Korea test-fired a new air defense missile system and held a long-range strategic cruise missile strike drill against a virtual airport target, state media reported. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected multiple missiles fired toward the East Sea from the Sondok area.

Experts said the tests appeared aimed at responding to Freedom Flag, the ongoing South Korea-US air drills. Kim Jong-sik criticized the combined exercises, accusing the "enemies" of intensifying military moves.