North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of short-range ballistic missiles and long-range artillery in a demonstration of Pyongyang's nuclear counterstrike capabilities, state-run media said Friday.

North Korea launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles during a nuclear counterstrike drill overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, in what state media said was a response to recent nuclear exercises by the United States and South Korea.

South Korea condemned the launches as 'a clear act of provocation' and linked them to North Korea's suspected weapons exports to Russia.