15.03.2026 10:12
As the US-Israel-Iran war continues and joint military exercises between the US and South Korea are ongoing, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed a live-fire test of 600 mm multiple rocket launcher systems off the east coast alongside his daughter Kim Ju Ae. South Korea announced that approximately 10 ballistic missiles were launched from Pyongyang towards the East Sea.
As the war that disturbs the world continues with all its violence on its 16th day, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed a live-fire drill of multiple rocket launcher systems conducted off the eastern coast of his country. According to the North Korean state news agency KCNA, Kim was accompanied by his young daughter Kim Ju Ae, who is seen as a potential successor in the public eye.
MESSAGE AGAINST THE US AND SOUTH KOREA'S DRILL
The report stated that 12 multiple rocket launcher systems, described as "ultra-precise" with a caliber of 600 millimeters, were used in the drill. The exercise, conducted on Saturday, is considered a message directed at the US, which continues its drills with South Korea, and the war against Israel and Iran.
10 BALLISTIC MISSILES LAUNCHED
The South Korean military also announced the same day that they detected North Korea launching approximately 10 ballistic missiles towards the East Sea from around the capital Pyongyang. The South Korean National Security Council described these launches as violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions and assessed them as "provocations."
According to KCNA's report, Kim Jong-un stated during the drill that the conducted firings sent a strong deterrent message to targets within a range of 420 kilometers. Kim expressed that the use of such weapons could completely destroy military infrastructure in the target area.
IMAGES RELEASED
The released photos showed Kim Jong-un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae inspecting an area with large military vehicles and rocket launcher systems. The fact that Kim's daughter has accompanied her father in many significant events such as missile tests and military parades since late 2022 raises speculation about the country's future leadership.
Experts indicate that North Korea's large-scale rocket launcher systems blur the line between artillery systems and ballistic missiles. It is stated that some models of these systems have the capacity to carry nuclear warheads due to their ability to produce their own propulsion and navigate towards targets.
DRILL TO CONTINUE UNTIL MARCH 19
On the other hand, the joint military drill named "Freedom Shield," held annually by the US and South Korea, is planned to continue until March 19. The North Korean administration has long characterized these drills as "invasion rehearsals" and often responds with its own weapon tests.