Pyongyang: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a series of tests involving upgraded multiple rocket launchers and other advanced weapons, reaffirming his country’s commitment to strengthening its offensive military capabilities against South Korea.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the weapons tests were conducted on Thursday, coinciding with the 76th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War (1950–1953). The move is widely seen as a demonstration of North Korea’s growing ability to strike key military and strategic facilities across South Korea.
The tests formed part of North Korea’s ongoing five-year defence modernisation programme aimed at enhancing the country’s artillery and missile forces. Kim personally supervised the launch of several “important weapons,” including an upgraded 240mm 24-tube multiple rocket launcher system, tactical ballistic missile warheads designed for special missions, and extended-range 155mm self-propelled howitzer shells.
Upgraded Rocket Launcher with Extended Range
KCNA reported that the upgraded 240mm rocket launcher now features an autonomous precision guidance system and an increased firing range of 90 kilometres. The improved artillery system is expected to significantly enhance North Korea’s corps-level firepower.
North Korea also claimed to have successfully tested a new special mission warhead for tactical ballistic missiles, designed to inflict “fatal damage” on critical enemy infrastructure, including airfields, ports and power facilities. Military analysts believe the warhead may involve cluster or armour-piercing munitions, although Pyongyang has not disclosed further details.
In addition, the country tested extended-range 155mm howitzer shells capable of striking targets up to 65 kilometres away. Defence experts noted that, if these claims are accurate, the upgraded artillery could place Seoul within effective striking distance.
Kim Calls for Stronger Offensive Capability
During the weapons demonstration, Kim Jong-un stressed that North Korea’s military strategy extends beyond defensive measures.
“Our policy of self-defence is not merely for strengthening defensive capabilities but for building a deadly and destructive offensive posture that no enemy would dare confront,” Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA.
He added that the latest tests demonstrated significant technological progress and would help create a stronger “fire posture” along the southern border.
Kim also emphasised that making enemies feel “constant uneasiness and fear” remains a key element of North Korea’s deterrence strategy and vowed to rapidly upgrade the country’s long-range strike capabilities.
South Korea Monitoring the Situation
Despite the tests, South Korea’s military did not issue an immediate public alert, assessing that the launches involved multiple rocket launchers rather than short-range ballistic missiles.
An official from South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that the military detected around ten projectiles fired from multiple rocket launchers and is currently analysing the details.
The latest weapons tests come amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea continuing to describe South Korea as its “primary foe.” Since late 2023, Pyongyang has officially characterized inter-Korean relations as those between “two hostile states,” signalling a further deterioration in bilateral ties.
