South Korea tests air defence systems following North Korean missile launch

South Korea conducted live-fire missile interception exercises on November 6, showcasing its air defence capabilities a day after North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the East Sea, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The drills, featuring the Cheongung-II and Patriot air defence systems, were held along South Korea's western coast following the North’s launch of multiple short-range ballistic missiles on November 5, Caliber.Az reports per South Korean media.

The Air Force’s Air & Missile Defence Command deployed two Cheongung-II and two Patriot units, each tasked with intercepting simulated enemy missiles as part of a scenario simulating an adversarial missile attack.

"This exercise was carried out to demonstrate our military's readiness, capability, and determination to respond swiftly and forcefully to North Korea’s escalating missile threats," the JCS stated.

South Korea utilises its domestically developed Cheongung-II mid-range surface-to-air missile system alongside the US-manufactured Patriot system to intercept aerial threats at altitudes reaching up to 40 kilometres.

Meanwhile, on November 5, North Korea launched ballistic missiles from Sariwon in North Hwanghae Province, with the missiles travelling approximately 400 kilometres before landing in the sea.

The launch is thought to have involved North Korea’s KN-25 system, a large-calibre, 600-millimetre multiple rocket launcher, capable of reaching any location within South Korea when launched from Sariwon.

North Korea's recent provocations follow the launch of its new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile into the East Sea just five days prior, on October 31.

By Aghakazim Guliyev