• North Korea tested two new air defense missiles showing "superior combat capability."
• The tests coincided with U.S.-South Korea military drills, raising tensions in the region.
• Kim Jong Un oversees the tests as part of an expanding military agenda amidst deteriorating inter-Korean relations.
• South Korea recently fired warning shots at North Korean troops crossing the border, escalating military tensions.
• Speculation arises about potential Russian assistance in North Korea’s missile technology.

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, supervised the test-firing of two new air defense missiles on Saturday, showcasing what state media described as their "superior combat capability." These missile systems were said to be effective against various aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reports TRT Global, BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, Los Angeles Times, CBS News, ABC News, Newsweek, Times of India.

The missile tests occurred during ongoing joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, named "Ulchi Freedom Shield," which began on August 18. This annual drill has been a source of contention for North Korea, which accuses the U.S. and South Korea of destabilizing the region. Amid rising tensions, South Korea recently fired warning shots at North Korean troops who briefly crossed the militarized border, marking a significant military incident TRT Global, BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, Los Angeles Times, CBS News, ABC News, Newsweek, Times of India.

During the tests, Kim assigned "important" tasks to defense scientists, suggesting ongoing developments in North Korea's weapons programs. Speculation around the potential influence of Russian support for these advancements has also surfaced, particularly regarding missile technology TRT Global, BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, Los Angeles Times, CBS News, ABC News, Newsweek, Times of India.