North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observes a test launch of sea-to-surface strategic cruise guided missiles, provided by the Korean Central News Agency, Jan. 25. Yonhap

North Korea on Sunday accused the United States of stepping up weapons aid to allies in what it called an attempt to cement its hegemonic status, saying such weapons provisions are still not sufficient to "save" South Korea from a strategic deficiency.

The North's state media made the accusation after the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency recently announced proposed sales of weapons to South Korea, which will include BQM-177A subsonic sea-skimming aerial targets for Aegis-equipped destroyers and GQM-163 target drones.

"The U.S., the world's biggest war merchant, is getting worked up, more than ever, on its weapons sales scheme to nations that follow (the U.S.)," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a commentary, stressing that such sales to South Korea are increasingly becoming "persistent."

The KCNA claimed such arms provisions to the South reflect the U.S.' attempt to destroy the balance of power in the region and solidify its hegemonic status.

"No weapons aid from the U.S. can redeem (South Korea) from its fate of strategic deficiency ... the U.S. will not be able to realize its ambition due to our righteous power," it said.

The commentary came as the North has long denounced military cooperation between South Korea and the U.S., calling joint military drills between the allies rehearsals for invasions while using them as a pretext for provocations.

Last week, Pyongyang vowed to maintain "the toughest counteraction" to the U.S. as long as it rejects the country's sovereignty and security interests. (Yonhap)