The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has called for a reinforcement of the “deadly and destructive offensive posture” of the armed forces after witnessing weapons tests, North Korean state media reported today.
The tests observed by Kim on Thursday aimed to evaluate the power of a “special mission” warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, an upgraded multiple rocket launch system, and the impact accuracy of extended-range projectiles from a self-propelled howitzer, KCNA reported.
According to the official news agency, the leader stated that the test results proved the technological progress achieved in an effort to alter the firing posture in the southern border areas, in a reference to neighboring South Korea, a country that hosts United States military bases.
Kim affirmed that North Korea’s self-defense policy includes the goal of strengthening “the deadly and destructive offensive posture so that no enemy dares to confront it,” KCNA stated.
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“Making enemies feel constant uneasiness and fear is an important aspect of exercising war deterrence,” the leader said.
KCNA said that the tested “special mission” warhead aims to “inflict fatal damage on major targets, including enemy airfields, ports, and energy facilities.” On Tuesday, Kim announced plans to build at least two warships of 5,000 tons or more per year and equip them with nuclear weapons, state media reported today.
According to the official North Korean news agency KCNA, the destroyer Choe Hyon entered service with the North Korean Navy following a ceremony in the port city of Nampo. At the ceremony, Kim emphasized Pyongyang’s plans to build two ships of equal or greater tonnage annually, “including 10,000-ton cruisers.”
“The plan to equip the Navy with nuclear weapons is progressing as scheduled,” Kim emphasized during the event, underlining that Pyongyang’s maritime capabilities will allow the country to assume a “strong and reliable” role in nuclear deterrence.
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The Choe Hyon is the first 5,000-ton destroyer to enter service in the North Korean Navy, while the Kang Geon, a vessel of the same class, began evaluation tests earlier this month. A future 10,000-ton ship would be similar to the Arleigh Burke class, the most numerous in the US Navy.
This week, the leader reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to developing its nuclear arsenal in the face of what he described as the “indiscriminate use of force” by the United States, as well as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
North Korea reiterated that it will not engage in dialogue with Washington or Seoul if they insist on denuclearization, an issue that Pyongyang omitted during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping in early June.
