Seoul, May 27: North Korea has successfully tested a new lightweight multi-purpose missile launching system along with several tactical cruise missiles. These missiles are claimed to be adept at evading enemy air defense systems. This move is seen as part of Pyongyang’s ongoing weapons modernization program.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests were reported on Wednesday. The day before, South Korean military detected the launch of several short-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) and artillery rockets from the Jongju area in North Pyongan Province towards the Yellow Sea.
CRBMs are ballistic missiles with a range of less than 300 kilometers.
The KCNA report indicated that Tuesday’s tests were part of a modernization effort for missile and artillery forces under the “five-year national defense development plan.”
The report stated that the tests evaluated the capabilities of tactical ballistic missiles’ special warheads, the reliability of 240 mm guided artillery rockets, and the precision targeting of AI-equipped tactical cruise missiles.
Kim Jong-un expressed “great satisfaction” with the tests, viewing them as a clear indication of North Korea’s growing military capabilities and technological advancements. He particularly praised the new tactical cruise missile, which is set to be deployed in long-range artillery units near the southern border.
According to the report, this missile is equipped with modern navigation technologies such as terrain mapping and AI-based targeting, allowing it to strike any target within 100 kilometers with high precision.
Kim reiterated that North Korea will continue to strengthen its nuclear and conventional weapons. He stated that the country would take more definitive steps to protect its military sovereignty and right to self-defense.
Experts consider the simultaneous testing of short-range ballistic missiles and artillery rockets unusual. It is viewed as a demonstration of North Korea’s capability to launch attacks while evading enemy air defense systems.
This marks North Korea’s eighth missile test this year. Previously, on April 19, it launched surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missiles from the Sinpo area towards the eastern sea.
Meanwhile, South Korea announced on Tuesday that it would develop and manufacture nuclear-powered submarines, aiming to incorporate them into its military by the end of the 2030s.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek stated, “Nuclear-powered submarines will play a crucial role in countering North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats due to their extended underwater endurance and enhanced mobility.”
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