North Korea Tests New Missiles, Kim Jong Un Vows to Build 'Most Powerful Artillery Force'

North Korea has announced the successful test-firing of newly developed weapons systems, including tactical cruise missiles and a multi-launch rocket system, under the observation of leader Kim Jong Un. The tests, conducted on May 26, are part of the country's five-year plan to modernize its artillery and missile capabilities.

According to state media, the drills focused on evaluating the guidance and navigation performance of various systems. This included assessing the destructive power of tactical ballistic missile warheads, the reliability of an enhanced-range 240mm multi-launch rocket system, and the artificial intelligence-guided precision accuracy of tactical cruise missiles.

“

Building the most modern and powerful artillery force, unmatched by anyone, is our top policy direction in force development.

Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction with the integration of advanced defense technologies into practical weapons tests. He specifically highlighted the planned deployment of tactical cruise missiles to long-range artillery units near the southern border. The leader stated that these systems, equipped with updated fire control and automation systems, enhance combat applicability for modern warfare.

“

Developing weapons with destructive power so immense that adversaries cannot survive is an essential condition for our military operations.

"Building the most modern and powerful artillery force, unmatched by anyone, is our top policy direction in force development," Kim declared. He stressed the necessity of developing weapons with destructive power so immense that adversaries cannot survive, asserting this capability is essential for deterring war and instilling extreme anxiety and fear.

North Korea reiterated its commitment to continuously and rapidly strengthening both its nuclear and conventional forces. Kim stated that the country's resolve to protect its military sovereignty and responsibly exercise its right to self-defense will be expressed through more concrete actions. The announcement follows a report from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on May 26, which detected North Korea launching multiple projectiles, including short-range ballistic missiles, into the western sea.

“

Our party and government's line of continuously and accelerating the strengthening of nuclear and conventional forces is immutable.