North Korea’s Leader, Kim Jong Un, Leads a Massive Firing Drill

Kim Jong Un supervised the firing training of ultra-large rocket launchers that target the entirety of South Korea.

The North Korean Central News Agency reported on the 19th, “Yesterday, Chairman Kim supervised the firing training of the artillery unit in the western district.” The agency also published photos of six ultra-large rocket launchers being fired simultaneously and hitting a target, which appears to be the uninhabited “Alsom,” off the Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province. After the firing, a mock test of an air explosion at the target altitude set by the ultra-large rocket launcher also took place. If a nuclear warhead explodes in the air, the damage can be maximized. The ultra-large rocket launcher, referred to as KN-25 by the US and South Korean militaries, is a short-range ballistic missile, and North Korea claims that a tactical nuclear warhead can be attached.

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On this day, Chairman Kim said, “We need to solidify further the idea that if a clash of forces occurs and a war breaks out with our enemies, there is no way for them to avoid disastrous consequences.” He added, “We must be more thorough in fulfilling our mission of blocking and deterring any possibility of war by having destructive weapons ready to collapse the enemy’s capital and military structure at all times.”

Professor Yang Moo Jin of the University of North Korean Studies analyzed, “Chairman Kim’s supervision of the ultra-large rocket launchers’ firing training following the training of cannons, tanks, and airborne troops in March is to review weapons in preparation for war.” Considering future exports to Russia, it seems like a move, given that artillery is a crucial weapon in the North Korean-Russian military cooperation.”

Professor Yang said, “Regardless, the fact that North Korea fired three ballistic missiles on the 18th carries a strong political meaning.” He interpreted it as a protest action timed to coincide with the visit of the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Professor Yang predicted, “From April, it appears like they will focus on carrying out the defense tasks presented in the last party conference, such as improving ballistic missiles, launching reconnaissance satellites, and strengthening naval forces such as submarines.”