Archive · 22 Sep 2026
North Korea Tests New Weapon After Missile Launch
North Korea said it tested a new weapon while leader Kim Jong Un watched.
The country did not explain exactly what the weapon was.
North Korea said the test showed that its military technology is improving.
The announcement came shortly after two missiles were launched toward waters near its east coast.
South Korea and Japan criticized the missile launches.
They said the launches could threaten peace and security in the region.
North Korea says its nuclear weapons status cannot be changed.
International groups and governments have urged North Korea to stop its nuclear and missile activities.
Kim Jong Un oversaw a Sunday test of what North Korea called a “new-type weapon.”
North Korea did not specify the weapon system but described it as advanced defense technology.
The announcement followed reports that North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles into waters off its east coast.
South Korea condemned the launches as violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions, while Japan called them a regional security threat.
North Korea continues to reject calls to end its nuclear activities, declaring its nuclear status permanent and irreversible.
- Who
- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test; South Korea, Japan and the International Atomic Energy Agency criticized or opposed North Korea’s weapons activities.
- What
- North Korea tested an unspecified “new-type weapon” after launching two short-range ballistic missiles.
- When
- The weapon test took place Sunday and was reported Tuesday; the missile launches occurred two days before the report.
- Where
- The weapon test occurred in North Korea; the missiles were launched toward waters off its east coast.
- Why
- North Korea said the test strengthened military preparedness and demonstrated advanced defense technology.
North Korea
South Korea, Japan and International Bodies
Meaning of the weapons tests
North Korea
North Korea described the new weapon test as a demonstration of ultra-modern defense technology and said such advances improve its readiness for war.
South Korea, Japan and International Bodies
South Korea and Japan said the missile activity threatens regional peace and security.
Nuclear status
North Korea
North Korea says its nuclear weapons status is legally fixed, permanent and irreversible, and that international resolutions cannot change its position.
South Korea, Japan and International Bodies
The International Atomic Energy Agency adopted a resolution demanding that North Korea halt its nuclear activities.
Legality of missile launches
North Korea
North Korea presented its launches as part of military exercises and said its weapons hit targets with complete accuracy.
South Korea, Japan and International Bodies
South Korea said the launches violated United Nations Security Council resolutions.
- Tested system
- An unspecified “new-type weapon” system
- North Korean leader
- Kim Jong Un oversaw the Sunday test
- Recent missile launch
- Two short-range ballistic missiles were launched toward waters off North Korea’s east coast
- South Korean response
- South Korea called the launches violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions
- Japanese response
- Japan lodged a stern protest and called the launches a threat to regional peace and security
- Nuclear policy
- North Korea says its nuclear weapons status is permanent and irreversible
- Earlier military drill
- North Korea previously reported firing short-range missiles and long-range artillery in a joint firepower drill