Seoul : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has supervised the testing of a new multiple rocket launcher system and other advanced weapons, reaffirming Pyongyang’s commitment to strengthening its offensive military capabilities against what it describes as its “primary enemy,” South Korea.
According to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the weapons tests were conducted on Thursday, coinciding with the 76th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. The exercises were part of the country’s ongoing five-year defence development plan aimed at modernising its artillery and missile forces.
The tests included an upgraded 240mm 24-tube multiple rocket launcher, tactical ballistic missiles equipped with “special mission” warheads, and newly developed 155mm self-propelled howitzer shells with an extended firing range.
During the exercise, Kim stressed that North Korea’s self-defence policy goes beyond strengthening defensive capabilities and is intended to build a “deadly and destructive offensive posture” that would deter any adversary from confronting the country.
“Our policy of self-defence is not merely to enhance defensive capabilities but to further strengthen our offensive posture so that no enemy dares challenge us,” Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA.
The North Korean leader said the latest tests demonstrated significant technological improvements in the country’s major weapons systems and would help bring about a major shift in military firepower along the southern border.
KCNA reported that the upgraded multiple rocket launcher now features an autonomous precision-guidance system and has an operational range of up to 90 kilometres, significantly improving its strike capability.
The agency also claimed that the newly tested tactical ballistic missile warheads were designed to inflict “fatal damage” on key enemy infrastructure, including airfields, ports and power facilities. While North Korea did not disclose technical details, defence analysts believe the tests may have involved cluster or armour-piercing munitions capable of targeting large areas.
In addition, Pyongyang tested 155mm self-propelled howitzer shells with a reported range of 65 kilometres. If confirmed, military experts say the artillery system could place parts of the South Korean capital, Seoul, within striking distance.
Kim said maintaining constant pressure on adversaries was a crucial element of North Korea’s deterrence strategy.
“It is important to make the enemies feel constant uneasiness and fear,” he said, adding that the country’s long-range strike capabilities had been upgraded in a short period.
Despite North Korea’s announcement, South Korea’s military did not classify the launches as ballistic missile tests. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected approximately 10 rounds fired from multiple rocket launchers on Thursday and is continuing to analyse the weapons and their performance.
The latest military drills come amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea continuing to expand its missile and artillery programmes while maintaining its hard-line stance toward South Korea. In recent years, Pyongyang has formally described inter-Korean relations as those between “two hostile states,” further raising concerns over regional security.
