27.06.2026 12:32
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally oversaw the testing of next-generation weapons aimed at modernizing the country's missile program and increasing firepower along the border with South Korea. The drill, which tested tactical ballistic missiles and multiple rocket launchers, has once again raised tensions in the region.
North Korea continues to strengthen its military presence in the region by accelerating investments in its defense industry. The Pyongyang administration, which has drawn attention and caused concern among its neighbors with a series of recent drills, announced the successful completion of new weapons tests.
NORTH KOREAN LEADER DIRECTLY ON THE FIELD
According to a report released by North Korea's state media KCNA on Friday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally observed critical weapons tests conducted on Thursday on the field. The fact that this show of force coincided with the anniversary of the start of the Korean War, which took place between 1950 and 1953, was interpreted as a significant message that did not escape the attention of the international community.
NEXT-GENERATION WEAPONS TESTED
Within the scope of the drill, many new weapons systems aimed at modernizing the North Korean army's inventory were tested. The military equipment tested included an improved version of a 240-millimeter, 24-tube multiple rocket launcher system, tactical ballistic missiles, and a 155-millimeter self-propelled howitzer.
GOAL: "ULTRA PRECISION" AND AUTOMATION
According to information conveyed by KCNA, Kim Jong-un, greatly satisfied with the performance of the weapons, unveiled the country's new vision for its weapons programs. The North Korean leader emphasized their pursuit of goals such as automation, long-range strike capability, and "ultra precision" in military technology. Kim also highlighted that the main purpose of these developments is to enhance defense and firepower along the southern border with South Korea.
PART OF A FIVE-YEAR DEFENSE PLAN
The Pyongyang administration continues its strategy of steadily developing its tactical and conventional arsenal and deploying these new weapons to areas near the South Korean border. The country had also conducted a mixed test last May involving tactical ballistic missiles, artillery rockets, and artificial intelligence-guided precision cruise missiles, all specially designed for modern warfare conditions.
South Korea's Ministry of Unification, which closely monitors developments, stated that these latest military tests are being evaluated as an expected part of North Korea's ongoing five-year comprehensive defense development plan.