South Korea Conducts Missile Interception Drills After North Korean Missile Launches.

Seoul: South Korea conducted live-fire missile interception drills Wednesday, showcasing its air defense capabilities following North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches into the East Sea, as reported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The drills were carried out in a western coastal area using the Cheongung-II and Patriot air defense systems.According to Yonhap News Agency, the Air Force's Air and Missile Defense Command deployed two units each of the Cheongung-II and Patriot systems. These units fired surface-to-air missiles to intercept simulated targets, simulating a scenario of an enemy missile attack. This exercise was designed to demonstrate South Korea's military capabilities and readiness to respond to escalating North Korean missile threats.The Cheongung-II mid-range surface-to-air missile system is an indigenous South Korean development, while the Patriot system is U.S.-made. Both systems are capable of intercepting targets at altitudes up to 40 kilometers. The drills came in response to North Korea's firing of multiple short-range ballistic missiles from the Sariwon area on Tuesday. These missiles traveled approximately 400 km before landing in the sea.The missiles launched by North Korea are believed to be KN-25 super-large 600-millimeter multiple rocket launchers, which have the potential to strike any location in South Korea when fired from Sariwon. This recent missile activity by North Korea follows their launch of the new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile into the East Sea just five days prior.