Overview

• North Korea conducted its sixth weapons test of 2025, launching new anti-aircraft missiles under Kim Jong Un's supervision.
• The missile test coincided with the end of the 11-day U.S.-South Korea Freedom Shield military drills, which North Korea views as a threat to its sovereignty.
• North Korea's Defense Ministry accused the drills of simulating attacks on its underground nuclear facilities and issued warnings of 'grave consequences' for future exercises.
• South Korea's Unification Ministry cautioned North Korea against using the joint drills as justification for further provocations.
• Kim Jong Un continues to strengthen ties with Russia, with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu arriving in Pyongyang for discussions.