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Kim Jong Un Inspects New Howitzers, Hints at Seoul-Reaching Deployment on Border

From Liberty Times · (12m ago) Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a military factory producing new self-propelled howitzers.
  • Kim hinted that these weapons, capable of reaching Seoul, will be deployed along the inter-Korean border by year-end.
  • The inspection also included a new destroyer, signaling North Korea's efforts to modernize its military and potentially expand its naval nuclear capabilities.

Pyongyang's military might is on full display as leader Kim Jong Un personally oversees the production of advanced weaponry destined for the front lines. The recent inspection of a key military enterprise, as reported by state media, highlights the regime's commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities. The new large-caliber self-propelled howitzers, with a range exceeding 60 kilometers, are poised to be deployed along the border, a move that directly threatens the South Korean capital, Seoul.

The range of the large-caliber rifled artillery that will be equipped by the frontline units will exceed 60 kilometers.

— Kim Jong UnDuring his inspection of a military factory, Kim Jong Un indicated the capabilities of the new self-propelled howitzers.

This development underscores North Korea's strategic focus on conventional arms modernization, a fact acknowledged by South Korean defense analysts. The unveiling of mass production for these howitzers marks a significant step in showcasing the country's evolving military technology. Beyond artillery, Kim Jong Un's inspection of the new destroyer, the 'Choe Hyon,' and its performance tests further emphasize the regime's ambition to enhance its naval power, potentially integrating it into a sea-based nuclear strike system.

This is the first time North Korea has publicly disclosed the mass production progress of its version of the self-propelled howitzer, possibly intending to showcase the modernization progress of North Korea's conventional weapons.

— Shin Jong-wooShin Jong-woo, Secretary-General of the Korea Defense Security Forum (KODEF), commented on North Korea's public disclosure of its howitzer production.

From our perspective, these advancements are not merely about military hardware; they represent a clear signal of North Korea's resolve and its strategic positioning in the region. While Western media may focus on the immediate threat, we understand this as part of a broader national strategy to ensure security and project strength. The emphasis on domestic production and modernization reflects a self-reliant approach, a narrative deeply ingrained in our national identity. The successful testing and impending deployment of these assets are viewed here as crucial steps in safeguarding our sovereignty and deterring potential aggression.

North Korea may be accelerating the construction of its sea-based nuclear strike system and is gradually forming combat power.

— Shin Jong-wooShin Jong-woo analyzed the significance of the new destroyer 'Choe Hyon' inspection and testing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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