North Korea has successfully tested a new lightweight multipurpose missile launcher system along with AI-driven tactical cruise missiles, with Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un personally observing and controlling the test.
The official North Korean news agency, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported that North Korea conducted tests of a newly developed lightweight multipurpose missile launcher system and various types of tactical cruise missile weapons. Kim Jong Un, the country's supreme leader, observed and directed the test as part of plans to modernize the military.
This report follows South Korean military detection of North Korea firing a short-range ballistic missile (CRBM) with an operational radius of no more than 300 kilometers, along with several artillery rockets from the city of Jongju in North Pyongan Province, aimed toward the Yellow Sea. The South Korean military stated that the missiles flew approximately 80 kilometers.
North Korean media said the test conducted on Tuesday, 26 May 2024 GMT+7, is part of a five-year national defense development plan. Its objectives include analyzing and evaluating the warhead effectiveness of tactical ballistic missiles, the accuracy of 240-millimeter artillery rockets with extended range aided by highly precise automatic guidance systems, and the targeting accuracy of AI-guided tactical cruise missiles.
The report stated that Kim Jong Un expressed great satisfaction with the test results, describing them as a clear sign of significant military enhancement and technological progress. Furthermore, the North Korean leader specially praised the tactical cruise missiles, planned to be deployed with long-range artillery units along the southern border. These missiles integrate various navigation systems, including terrain mapping and AI target-locking systems, enabling highly precise strikes on any target within 100 kilometers.
Kim Jong Un added, "It is a critical condition for our military operations to possess destructive power so intense that any force confronting us cannot theoretically survive without relying on luck."
Additionally, photographs released by KCNA showed missiles launching from mobile launch platforms amid thick flames and smoke surrounding the vehicles. Another image showed Kim Jong Un standing beside the mobile launch vehicle, commanding alongside senior military officials.
Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, commented that this test demonstrates Pyongyang's intention to deploy this weapon system in actual combat situations. It is an "integrated precision strike system" combining cruise missiles, multi-barrel guided rockets, and ballistic missiles, emphasizing highly effective, automated, long-range weaponry capable of overwhelming South Korea without the need for nuclear arms.
This joint test of short-range missiles and artillery rockets is rare and viewed as North Korea's effort to showcase its capability to strike targets while evading air defense systems. The missile launch was North Korea's first in 37 days and its eighth test this year. Previously, on 19 April 2024 GMT+7, North Korea tested a ground-to-ground tactical ballistic missile from Sinpo to evaluate cluster bomb warheads.
Meanwhile, South Korea announced proactive plans. South Korean Defense Minister An Kyu-baek revealed that the government aims to develop and commission nuclear-powered submarines after the late 2030s. This move is intended to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, as nuclear submarines can remain submerged longer and are more maneuverable than conventional submarines.