UPDATE - North Korea tests attack drones, tactical cruise missiles as it vows to ‘deter threats’

ADDS STATEMENT FROM NORTH KOREAN DEFENSE MINISTRY, REVISES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Ilayda Cakirtekin and Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - North Korea vowed Friday to “deter threats” after testing suicide attack drones, tactical cruise missiles and multiple rocket launchers the previous day, state media reported.

The display of its military capabilities coincided with reports from South Korea and Japan on Thursday that North Korea had fired ballistic missiles. South Korea said the North launched around 10 missiles in its first ballistic missile test since Oct. 12.

North Korea’s state-run KCNA said Friday that the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, attended an exhibition titled “Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Development-2026” in the capital Pyongyang, where the capabilities and firepower of various drones and major weapon systems were showcased.

“Tactical suicide attack drones, air-to-surface missiles from multi-purpose drones and cruise missiles hit the islet target with 100% accuracy.

“The 600mm-caliber ultra-precision multiple rocket launcher, which is called ‘sniper,’ opened fire before the public for the first time,” the report said.

Kim called for “absolute superiority” in drone technology, which he said “is an indispensable option in light of the ever-changing patterns of modern warfare.”

Separately, North Korea’s Defense Ministry slammed joint air drills between South Korea and the US.

“The frequent military moves of the enemy states at the doorstep” of North Korea “are increasing the danger of inviting an unexpected armed conflict that will result in catastrophic consequences,” the ministry warned.

It added that the “most obvious confrontational intention is bound to invite the most obvious will to respond to it.”

“Our armed forces will thoroughly deter threats with force and only act in such manner that the enemy states can understand,” said the ministry.

Riyaz Khaliq Khaliq