By Blessing Nweke
North Korea said Wednesday that its latest weapons launches involved multiple advanced systems, including a nuclear-capable cruise missile intended for deployment with frontline military units facing South Korea, as leader Kim Jong Un accelerates efforts to modernize the country’s armed forces.
According to North Korean state media, Kim personally supervised Tuesday’s tests, which included ballistic missiles fitted with new battlefield nuclear warheads, artificial intelligence-guided cruise missiles, and upgraded 240-millimeter rocket artillery equipped with what Pyongyang described as “ultra-precision” navigation technology.
The announcement came a day after South Korea’s military reported detecting multiple projectiles launched by North Korea toward its western waters. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said at least one short-range ballistic missile traveled roughly 80 kilometers but did not immediately confirm the North’s claims about the other weapons systems.
The Korean Central News Agency said Kim praised the performance of the cruise missiles designed for deployment alongside long-range artillery units stationed near the border with South Korea. He also called for faster modernization of artillery forces so that “no one can match” North Korea’s military power.
North Korea has significantly expanded its missile and nuclear programs since diplomacy between Kim and former U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. Relations with South Korea have also deteriorated, with Kim recently labeling Seoul as North Korea’s “most hostile enemy.”
Pyongyang has meanwhile strengthened ties with Russia and China while continuing to reject U.S. calls for nuclear disarmament talks.
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