North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday oversaw a new test of a new missile launcher that Pyongyang plans to deploy this year, state media reported on Saturday, as part of its move to bolster its array of weapons targeting population centers in South Korea.
North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said that Friday’s test confirmed the “advantage and destructive power” of the 240 mm multiple rocket launcher and its guided missiles.
She added that the system, which North Korea tested twice this year, will be attached to combat units from 2024 to 2026 to replace old weapons, according to the Associated Press.
In recent months, North Korea has maintained a rapid pace of weapons testing to expand its military capabilities, while diplomatic efforts with the United States and South Korea remain stalled.
Experts say Kim Jong Un’s goal is to ultimately pressure the United States to accept Pyongyang’s idea of a nuclear power and negotiate economic and security concessions from a position of strength.
In recent weeks, North Korea has focused on artillery systems. Its test activities included firing multiple 600 mm missiles in April, which state media described as a simulation of a nuclear counterattack against hostile targets.
This year, North Korea also conducted various tests of cruise missiles and tested a medium-range solid-fuel missile capable of carrying hypersonic nuclear warheads, which experts say is designed to reach remote American targets in the Pacific Ocean, including the American base on the island of Guam.
After Friday’s test, Kim issued instructions to increase production of 240mm rocket launchers and their guided missiles, which he said would bring about a “big change” in the combat capabilities of his forces, KCNA said.
Although North Korea’s artillery systems are designed to target South Korea’s capital area, which is home to half of the country’s population of 51 million, South Korean military commanders in South Korea also suspect that North Korea’s recent tests are aimed at examining weapons it plans to export. to Russia.
US and South Korean officials accused North Korea of providing artillery shells, missiles and other military equipment to Russia to help expand its fighting in Ukraine.
In recent months, Kim has tried to strengthen his ties with Moscow and Beijing as he tries to emerge from diplomatic isolation and insert himself into a united front against Washington.
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