Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
North Korea has tested a mix of tactical ballistic missiles, guided artillery rockets and cruise missiles designed for modern warfare under leader Kim Jong Un’s supervision, KCNA announced on May 27.
The state-run news agency said that the tests assessed the power of a “special mission warhead” on tactical ballistic missiles, the reliability of long-range multiple-launch artillery rockets and the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI)-guided tactical cruise missiles.
Kim was quoted by KCNA as saying that the tests showed the weapons and automated launch systems have been successfully upgraded to “suit the proper conditions of modern warfare so as to enhance their application to combat.”
The tests in particular confirmed the combat readiness of cruise missiles that will be deployed at artillery units near the border with South Korea equipped with precision navigation and AI-guided control that can strike targets at 100 kilometers, he added.
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
A day earlier, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea said that missiles were detected after being launched from the Jongju area in North Phyongan Province.
It added that the projectiles were identified as short-range ballistic missiles, typically defined as having a range under 300 kilometers.
Seoul noted it has strengthened surveillance and is closely monitoring for additional launches, while coordinating information sharing with the United States and Japan and maintaining full military readiness.
Photos shared by KCNA shows the ballistic missiles and guided artillery rockets being fired from a multiple launch system very similar in concept to the American M142 HIMARS.
The system has, however, double the fire power, with the ability to load two pods. During the tests, one pod was made up of what appears to be nine 240 mm rockets, and the other with a single Hwasong-11Ra, a copy of the American MGM-140 ATACMS tactical ballistic missile.
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
The other multiple launcher seen in the photo was specifically designed to launch small cruise missiles, up to 22 ones based on the numbers of the launch tube.
Click to see full-size image. (Korean Central News Agency)
North Korea has been steadily upgrading its tactical and conventional arsenal, all along its long-range missiles and nuclear weapons capabilities.
The tactical rocket and missile systems seen in the latest test could pose a serious threat to Seoul, the densely populated capital of South Korea, which is as noted by the North Korean leader located just within 100 kilometers of the Demilitarized Zone border.
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