Kim Jong Un Oversees Missile Tests, Hailing 'Technological Advancement'
Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- North Korea conducted a test of a new lightweight multi-purpose missile launcher and a multiple rocket launcher system for tactical cruise missiles, observed by Kim Jong Un.
- The tests aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of special warheads for tactical ballistic missiles, the reliability of a 240mm multiple rocket launcher's precision guidance system, and the AI-guided accuracy of tactical cruise missiles.
- Kim Jong Un hailed the tests as a "significant event" signifying technological advancement and a crucial step in enhancing military capabilities, particularly for deployment near the southern border.
North Korea has successfully tested a new lightweight multi-purpose missile launcher and a multiple rocket launcher system for tactical cruise missiles, with leader Kim Jong Un observing the proceedings. The state media reported that the tests, conducted on Sunday, were part of efforts to fulfill a five-year defense development plan.
The test-firings of important weapon systems are a clear signal of renewal for our military power and represent a significant event in enhancing the combat capability of our armed forces.
The tests focused on evaluating several key capabilities. These included the power of special warheads for tactical ballistic missiles, the reliability of the precision guidance system for 240mm multiple rocket launcher shells, and the artificial intelligence-guided accuracy of tactical cruise missiles. North Korean media claimed that the tactical cruise missiles are equipped with an autonomous navigation system that allows them to calculate their position without external assistance, combined with terrain contour matching (TERCOM) and an AI-powered terminal guidance function to recognize targets before impact.
The current situation urges constant renewal of military power.
Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction with the results, particularly praising the tactical cruise missiles intended for deployment to long-range artillery brigades in the southern border regions. He stated that the successful development of these weapon systems signifies a "clear signal of renewal for our military power" and represents a "significant event" in enhancing the combat capabilities of the armed forces. He also noted that the firing control systems and automation of the launch vehicles have been completely updated to meet modern warfare requirements.
Possessing destructive power that makes the enemy's existence theoretically impossible is an essential condition for our military.
Furthermore, Kim emphasized the imperative of continuous military modernization, stating, "The current situation urges constant renewal of military power." He declared that building the most modern and powerful artillery force is a top policy direction, and possessing destructive power that makes the enemy's existence theoretically impossible is an essential condition for the military. He added that such capabilities serve as a "crucial link in war deterrence and are exercised responsibly."
Such capabilities serve as a crucial link in war deterrence and are exercised responsibly.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.