S400 defence missile system

"The evaluation test-fire of Hwasong 12-type ground-to-ground intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile was conducted Sunday under a plan of the Academy of Defense Science, the Second Economy Commission and other institutions concerned, "North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a report. The launch was aimed to "selectively evaluate missile being produced and deployed and to verify the overall accuracy of weapon system", Yonhap News Agency cited the KCNA report.

Asked at his briefing on how missile purchase was going to affect Washington's relations with India given the tensions between US and Russia over Ukraine, Price said: "I think it shines a spotlight on destabilizing role that Russia is playing not only in the region but potentially beyond as well. In many ways, this doesn't change the concerns that we have with the S-400 system. Whether it is India, whether it is any other country, we continue to urge all countries to avoid major new transactions for Russian weapon systems."

Borisov's statement comes at a time when Russia has started the delivery of its long-range S-400 ground-to-air missile defence system to India. The 2018 S-400 deal signed by New Delhi and Moscow was worth more than $5 billion. In addition to this, speculations hint that India might consider the new generation S-500 Prometei, which is the most advanced Russian mobile air defence system.

The Defence Ministry issued photos of the system, which is designed in the shape of a massive zeppelin, reports Xinhua news agency. The system, comprised of the High Availability Aerostat System and an advanced radar, designed to detect long-range threats when operating at high altitudes. "It will provide additional detection and early warning capabilities to the existing operational air defence detection array deployed around Israel," the Ministry said in a statement.

North Korea conducted a series of missile launches in the last two months, including a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test in October, reports Yonhap News Agency. "Our strengthening of self-defence capabilities is an inevitable choice to prevent a war and protect our country's sovereignty, dignity and the people's right to survival and improvement," the ministry said in a note posted on its website.