As reports emerge of the partial withdrawal of U.S. military air defense assets, including Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, North Korea is believed to have ramped up production of its formidable 600mm super-large multiple rocket launchers. Military sources estimate that Pyongyang may have manufactured over 80 units of these weapons, which are reportedly capable of carrying tactical nuclear warheads.
On March 13, the Defense Intelligence Agency revealed to lawmaker Kang Dae-sik that North Korea is estimated to have produced more than 80 mobile launch vehicles (TELs) for its 600mm super-large multiple rocket launcher system.
Last month, in a display of military might preceding the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party, North Korea unveiled 50 upgraded units of the 600mm super-large multiple rocket launcher. Each unit boasts five rocket launchers. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally test-drove one of the launchers, touting it as the world’s most powerful concentrated assault weapon, claiming it perfectly melds the precision and power of tactical ballistic missiles with rapid-fire rocket launcher capabilities.
These super-large rocket launchers pose a significant threat, with a range exceeding 400 kilometers (about 249 miles) – putting the entire South Korean peninsula within striking distance. Experts assess that North Korea has enhanced these weapons’ global positioning system (GPS) jamming resistance and precision targeting abilities.
The Defense Intelligence Agency noted that if North Korea’s claims hold true, it’s conceivable that they could equip these super-large rocket launchers with the Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warhead. However, they added it doesn’t believe these systems have been operationally deployed yet.
The Hwasan-31, unveiled by North Korea in March 2023, is a tactical nuclear warhead or nuclear cartridge designed to carry various types of nuclear payloads.
Regarding North Korea’s drone capabilities, the Defense Intelligence Agency warned that if Pyongyang receives artificial intelligence (AI) technology and real-world data support from Russia, we could soon see the emergence of AI-driven unmanned attack systems.
Expressing deep concern, lawmaker Kang stated that if North Korea successfully develops these super-large rocket launchers and AI drones, the current air defense systems may prove inadequate. It’s alarming that the government maintains there are no issues with the defense posture, even as U.S. military assets are being withdrawn.