Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen tests of a new multiple rocket launcher and other weaponry, emphasizing the necessity to strengthen the "deadly and destructive" offensive capabilities against perceived enemies, as reported by state media on Friday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korea conducted these weapons tests on Thursday, coinciding with the 76th anniversary of the commencement of the 1950-53 Korean War. The tests seem to be an effort to showcase North Korea's capability to target significant facilities in South Korea, which Pyongyang has identified as its "primary foe."
Kim Jong-un supervised the testing of "important weapons" as part of the nation's initiative to modernize its artillery and missile forces under a five-year defense development plan, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The tests included an upgraded 240mm-caliber 24-tubular multiple rocket launcher system, "special mission" warheads for tactical ballistic missiles, and extended-range shells for a 155mm self-propelled howitzer.
The latest tests appear to focus on enhancing the performance of strike capabilities that could place South Korea within range. North Korea has expressed hostility toward Seoul, describing inter-Korean relations as those between "two states hostile to each other" in late 2023.
Kim was quoted by KCNA stating that the country's policy on self-defense is not only about enhancing defensive capabilities but also about strengthening the offensive posture to ensure no enemy dares to confront them. He commented that the tests demonstrated significant technical progress in line with the policy to enhance the armed forces to induce a "change in the fire posture on the southern border."
KCNA reported that the upgraded 24-tubular multiple rocket launcher system incorporated an autonomous precision guidance system, referring to it as an "improved corps-level firepower system" with an extended firing range of 90 kilometers. The special mission warhead for tactical ballistic missiles aims to inflict "fatal damage" on critical targets like enemy airfields, ports, and electricity infrastructure.
Additionally, North Korea tested 65km extended-range shells for the 155mm self-propelled howitzer. If North Korea's claims are accurate, these howitzers could potentially place Seoul within striking distance, according to experts.
Kim Jong-un emphasized that instilling constant uneasiness and fear in enemies is a crucial aspect of war deterrence. He stated, "We would make the enemies recognize that the long-range strike means of our armed forces have been replaced with upgraded ones in the shortest possible time."
Meanwhile, the South Korean military did not issue any press notice regarding North Korea's recent tests, categorizing the weapons tested as multiple rocket launchers rather than short-range ballistic missiles. An official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported, "The military detected around 10 rounds fired from multiple rocket launchers (Thursday), and is currently analyzing the details."