Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firing of a 240mm multiple rocket launcher outfitted with a new guidance system, North Korea’s state media reported on Wednesday. Pyongyang continues to enhance its military capabilities. This news arrives roughly three months after North Korea announced plans to arm its forces with a new 240mm multiple rocket launcher, capable of targeting Seoul and its surroundings.
The isolated, nuclear-armed nation has recently strengthened military ties with Moscow. Analysts suggest North Korea might be testing and increasing the production of artillery and cruise missiles, potentially for Russia’s use in Ukraine. The US and Seoul have accused North Korea of providing ammunition and missiles to support Russia’s war effort, a claim Pyongyang has dismissed as “absurd.”
The Korean Central News Agency stated Wednesday that the updated rocket launcher, with improved manoeuvrability and concentrated firing capability, demonstrated advantages across all metrics. The updates included a newly applied guidance system, enhanced controllability, and increased destructive power. During the test-firing, Kim outlined a significant policy for producing new artillery and distributing them to army units, though specifics were not disclosed.
#BREAKING : Kim Jong Un has observed the test firing of a 240 mm MLRS#KimJongUn #NorthKorea #missiletest pic.twitter.com/eznx3ri6fz
— upuknews (@upuknews1) August 28, 2024
The report followed the unveiling of a “suicide drone” two days prior. This unmanned aircraft is designed to crash into enemy targets, functioning as a guided missile. In February, North Korea claimed to have developed a new control system for its multiple rocket launcher, promising a qualitative improvement in defence capabilities. By May, it announced the updated rocket launcher would be deployed to the Korean People’s Army units from 2024 to 2026.
Inter-Korean relations are at a historic low, with Pyongyang labelling South Korea as its “principal enemy.” North Korea has closed agencies focused on reunification and threatened war over even minimal territorial breaches. The test-firing coincided with major annual joint military drills conducted by South Korea and the United States, which conclude on Thursday. These exercises are aimed at containing the nuclear threat posed by the North. North Korea, which initiated the Korean War in 1950 by attacking its neighbour, has consistently condemned these joint exercises as invasion rehearsals.
What Other Media Are Saying
- North Korea Times reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a test-fire of a 240mm multiple rocket launcher equipped with a new guidance system, highlighting Pyongyang’s continued development of advanced military capabilities.(read more)
- Barrons reports on North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the test-firing of a 240mm multiple rocket launcher equipped with a new guiding system, emphasizing Pyongyang’s continued military capabilities enhancement.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did North Korea recently test-fire?
North Korea test-fired a 240mm multiple rocket launcher with a new guiding system.
What is the new capability of North Korea’s rocket launcher?
The rocket launcher now has improved maneuverability, concentrated firing capability, and a new guiding system.
What could North Korea be supplying to Russia?
North Korea could be sending artillery and cruise missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine.
What recent military equipment did North Korea unveil?
North Korea unveiled a ‘suicide drone’ designed to act as guided missiles.
Why are inter-Korean relations so tense right now?
Inter-Korean relations are tense due to North Korea declaring South Korea its ‘principal enemy’ and threatening war over territorial infringements.