North Korea tests upgraded artillery as Kim vows stronger strike power

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised live-fire tests of upgraded artillery and missile systems on Thursday, assessing new 240mm rocket launchers and extended-range howitzer shells as part of a five-year defense modernization drive, state media reported.

New weapons systems assessed

The exercises evaluated combat performance of an upgraded 240mm 24-tube multiple rocket launcher featuring automated fire-control systems and self-guided precision technology, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The improved system now has a firing range of 90 kilometers. Tests also covered extended-range 155mm self-propelled howitzer shells with an effective range of 65 kilometers and a tactical ballistic missile equipped with a special mission warhead designed to strike airfields, ports and power facilities.

Kim cites 'great technological progress'

Kim stated that the tests demonstrated "the great technological progress" achieved under the Workers' Party's military modernization policy. "The present international situation, in which sovereignty can be defended and existence guaranteed only by complete upper-hand in strength, makes it unnecessary to add any rhetoric to explaining why the bolstering up of the defence capabilities is the indispensable first national strategic work," he said. He also reiterated Pyongyang's aim to build "a deadly and destructive offensive posture" capable of deterring potential adversaries.

Five-year modernization drive

The tests form part of a five-year national defense modernization plan that has seen Pyongyang prioritize both defensive and offensive capabilities. "We would make the enemies recognize that the long-range strike means of our armed forces have been replaced with upgraded ones in the shortest possible time," Kim said. The displays come amid ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea continues to develop precision strike assets capable of hitting strategic infrastructure.