North Korea test-fired a tactical ballistic missile with a newly developed autonomous navigation system, as confirmed by state media on May 18. Led by Kim Jong Un, the launch aimed to assess the system’s accuracy and reliability. The test marks the latest in a series of sophisticated missile trials, showcasing North Korea’s military advancements. The launch coincided with Kim Yo Jong’s denial of weapons shipments to Russia for the Ukraine conflict. While Pyongyang aims to bolster its nuclear capabilities, critics raise concerns over regional stability amid strained inter-Korean relations and global geopolitical shifts.