Kim Jong Un oversees test of North Korea's latest weapon system PHOTO

North Korea tested a new weapons system on September 20 in a trial overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Tuesday, September 22.

The test was conducted by the country's General Missile Bureau, with Kim describing the system as a demonstration of advanced defence technology and a significant step in the modernisation of the armed forces.

“It is an undoubtedly striking demonstration of ultra-modern defence technology and clear progress in the modernisation of the armed forces,” Kim said, according to KCNA.

North Korea did not disclose the type of weapon tested or provide technical specifications. KCNA said the test posed no threat to the security of neighbouring countries.

Kim said possessing such technology was important for the country's war preparedness and the future development of its armed forces. He described the new system as an “unbeatable force” that would become an “incurable headache” and deliver “a powerful blow” to North Korea's adversaries.

“He affirmed that such reality would give the enemy an incurable headache and a very cruel and unavoidable blow,” KCNA reported.

Photographs released by North Korean state media showed Kim inspecting the test alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. A display visible in the images appeared to show a “Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 flight trajectory,” suggesting the system could be linked to a newly developed hypersonic ballistic missile, according to South Korean media analysis. The exact nature of the weapon has not been officially confirmed.

The reported test came two days after South Korea's military said North Korea had launched two short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea. The first missile travelled about 450 kilometres, while the second flew more than 600 kilometres, according to South Korean assessments.

Kim also thanked specialists from the General Missile Bureau, research institutes and the teams involved in developing the new weapons system.

By Tamilla Hasanova