North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw tests of new multiple rocket launchers and missiles yesterday (June 25), the anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim "supervised important weapon tests organized by national defense science research institutions in accordance with the plan for the modernization of artillery and missile forces to achieve the five-year national defense development goals."

The report stated that the tests "analyzed and evaluated the combat characteristics of the updated 240mm 24-tube multiple rocket launcher weapon system, the power of the special mission warhead for tactical ballistic missiles, and the strike accuracy of the 155mm self-propelled long-range artillery shells."

The updated 24-tube multiple rocket launcher system was described as an "improved corps-level firepower system with a range increased to 90km," featuring "fully automated fire service elements and an autonomous precision guidance system."

The special mission warhead for tactical ballistic missiles is intended for the "lethal destruction of key enemy targets, including airfields, ports, and power facilities," the report added.

Tests were also conducted on 65km extended-range shells for 155mm self-propelled artillery.

Expressing satisfaction with the test results, Kim stated that the tests of the division and corps-level firepower systems "prove and confirm the significant technical progress achieved in realizing our Party's policy on military construction regarding changes in the firepower posture at the southern border, as well as the three principles of automation, long-range capability, and ultra-precision."

He further argued, "The current international situation makes it unnecessary to add any rhetorical explanation as to why the strengthening of defense capabilities is an indispensable, top-priority national strategic task."

Kim emphasized the need to prioritize the development of the army's artillery and missile forces and highlighted the defense development tasks to be achieved during the five-year plan period.

He stated that the "Party's self-defensive defense policy" is a "policy to enhance a lethal and destructive offensive posture to ensure there is no match for us," adding that "this is what we mean by a defensive concept in military construction and practical military action."

He also stressed that "keeping the enemy in a state of constant anxiety and fear is itself an important aspect of exercising war deterrence," and added, "We will make the enemy realize as soon as possible that our military's long-range strike means have been completely replaced with updated versions."

(Photo: Korean Central Television, Yonhap News)