North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test firing of a large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system and announced plans to bolster the country’s nuclear war deterrence at the upcoming 9th Party Congress. This provocative display, timed with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby’s Asia tour, appears to showcase North Korea’s tactical nuclear capabilities and respond to the new U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS).
On Wednesday, North Korea’s state-run Rodong Sinmun reported that the Missile Bureau conducted a test firing of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system under Kim’s supervision the previous day. Key military and defense officials, including Kim Jong-sik and Jang Chang-ha, accompanied the leader, along with his daughter, Ju Ae.
According to the report, four rockets struck a maritime target 358.5 kilometers (about 223 miles) from the launch site. Kim emphasized the test’s significance in enhancing strategic deterrence, noting that the weapon system had been adapted for special offensive use through technical upgrades.
The North Korean leader expressed satisfaction with the improvements, stating that all aspects of the weapon system had been enhanced to maximize offensive capabilities. He particularly praised the rockets’ upgraded mobility, intelligence, and precision, as well as the new launch vehicle’s performance.
Kim asserted that adversaries observing the test would recognize North Korea’s advanced defense technology, warning that the demonstration would pose a serious concern and grave threat to those seeking military confrontation.
He reiterated the regime’s focus on strengthening national defense, emphasizing that their activities aim to further enhance nuclear war deterrence.
Kim declared that building reliable offensive capabilities and implementing a deterrence strategy based on them remains the cornerstone of the Workers’ Party’s defense policy. He announced that the upcoming 9th Party Congress would outline further steps to enhance the country’s nuclear war deterrence capabilities.
Prior to this announcement, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea had launched several short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) into the East Sea. This provocation, occurring during Colby’s Asia tour, is seen as a show of force against South Korea and the United States. It marks North Korea’s second missile test this year, following a launch on January 4.
Rodong Sinmun highlighted the new rocket system’s capabilities, quoting Kim’s praise for the autonomous precision-guided flight system. The leader claimed that no other country would match this technology in the next few years, emphasizing its ability to overcome external interference.
Defense analysts suggest that the newly unveiled large-caliber multiple rocket launcher demonstrates improved global positioning system (GPS) jamming resistance and precision strike capabilities. The system may be an upgrade to the autonomous guidance navigation system North Korea tested on May 18, 2024.
The precise range of 358.5 kilometers (about 223 miles), unusual in its specificity, likely aims to showcase the system’s accuracy. This range puts key U.S. and South Korean military installations within striking distance, including joint headquarters in Gyeryongdae and U.S. bases in Pyeongtaek, Osan, and Cheongju.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, believes the rocket launcher is likely the same wheeled five-tube super-large system displayed on December 28 last year. He suggests the term large-caliber multiple rocket launcher emphasizes its autonomous guidance, multiple launch capabilities, long-range strike potential, and anti-jamming features.
Some analysts speculate that the timing of the test, coinciding with Colby’s visit, may be a response to U.S. air defense capabilities revealed during operations against Venezuela’s Maduro regime. North Korea may be signaling its ability to overcome U.S. jamming, cyber, and electronic warfare tactics.
Hong noted that during the Venezuela operation, the U.S. reportedly employed various electronic warfare and cyber tactics. He suggests that North Korea’s test aims to demonstrate its ability to conduct tactical nuclear strikes against key targets, even in the face of sophisticated U.S. countermeasures.