N.K. says leader watches launch of new anti-ship cruise missile

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has observed the test-firing of a new surface-to-ship cruise missile, Pyongyang's state media said Friday, as the country is seeking to diversify its nuclear weapons and missiles.

The country conducted the first test of the missile, which was unveiled at a military parade in April to mark the 105th birthday of late state founder Kim Il-sung, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

The Academy of National Defense Science has developed the missile, which the North says is a powerful weapon capable of hitting the enemy's ships from the ground. It is a blacklisted agency by the United Nations over its role in supporting North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

On Thursday, the North fired short-range anti-ship cruise missiles from its east coast in the latest series of missile tests in defiance of international condemnation, according to the South Korean military. They flew about some 200 kilometers.

It marked the fifth test-fire by the North since liberal South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office in early May.

Pyongyang has launched different types of missiles, including a new intermediate-range ballistic missile and a surface-to-air missile.

sooyeon@yna.co.kr
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