PYONGYANG (Dispatches) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered accelerated production to strengthen the country’s nuclear force more rapidly, on the same day he oversaw a test of tactical ballistic missiles with new guidance system, state media KCNA said on Saturday. 
While visiting an arms factory, Kim made the production order “to cope with ...the enemies’ reckless military confrontation” and bolster nuclear war deterrence, KCNA said, Reuters reported.
This way, the enemy would be afraid of North Korea’s nuclear combat posture, Kim added.
North Korea fired a number of short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast, South Korea’s military had said. Kim expressed satisfaction with the successful missile test featuring an autonomous navigation system, KCNA said.
Friday’s launches came a day after the U.S. and South Korea conducted joint drills with stealth fighter jets simulating air combat.
North Korea successfully tested a missile with a “new autonomous navigation system”.
The projectile flew around 300 kilometers before splashing down in waters between South Korea and Japan, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul said.
KCNA praised the accuracy and reliability of the new autonomous navigation system used in the missile. Kim also expressed satisfaction with the system, citing its benefits and strategic value as a result of the independent development and successful introduction.
North Korea has fired off cruise missiles, tactical rockets and hypersonic weapons in recent months to upgrade its defenses.
The new test came hours after the North Korean leader’s sister, Kim Yo-jong, dismissed “absurd” U.S. reports that Pyongyang was sending weapons and munitions to Russia for use against Ukraine. 
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday denounced the U.S. and its regional allies for engaging in “intimidation in the military sphere” against North Korea.
On Thursday, South Korean F-35As and U.S. F-22 Raptors conducted aerial exercises which Pyongyang sees as a rehearsal for possible invasion of the North. 
South Korea said stealth fighters conducted “intense” joint exercises in the central region to test and enhance offensive and defensive maneuverability.
North Korea also denounced joint military drills scheduled for August as a “nuclear attack exercise”, warning Washington and Seoul that they could face a “catastrophic aftermath” if the drills were carried out.