DPRK test-fires new-type guided rockets: report

PYONGYANG, March 24, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on March 24, 2016 shows the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Unguiding a ground test for heavy-lift, solid-fuel rocket engine and its separation. The top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un has guided a ground test for heavy-lift, solid-fuel rocket engine and its separation, the country's official news agency KCNA reported Thursday. The test was aimed at testing the structural safety and the thrust of the newly developed rocket engine and gauging the working specification of heat separation system, said KCNA. (Xinhua/KCNA)

PYONGYANG, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has test-fired "new-type anti-air guided rockets" under the observation of its top leader Kim Jong Un, the country's official KCNA news agency reported Saturday.

The rockets accurately hit the aerial targets of the simulated enemy, the KCNA said without specifying when and where the test was carried out.

Kim was satisfied with the test, saying it demonstrated the DPRK's rapidly growing defense capability.

The DPRK on Friday fired a ground-to-air missile into its eastern waters, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The launch came just three days after Pyongyang fired a rocket in northeastern direction.

Pyongyang's frequent projectile launches in recent weeks are said to protest the ongoing U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises and newly-adopted international sanctions on the DPRK.

In early March, UN Security Council adopted tougher-than-ever sanctions on Pyongyang over its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6.

On March 7, South Korea and the United Stateskicked off their joint annual war games "Key Resolve" and "Foal Eagle." The "Key Resolve" exercise ended last month, but the "Foal Eagle" field training exercise is scheduled to last till April 30.

Pyongyang has repeatedly denounced the U.S.-South Korea military exercises as a dress rehearsal for northward invasion.