North Korean leader Kim oversees weapons tests to bolster firepower along border, KCNA says

SEOUL, June 26 (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of key weapons on Thursday as part of the country’s goal to modernise its missile programme and bolster firepower along the southern border with South Korea, state media KCNA reported on Friday. 

The tests, conducted on the anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950–53 Korean War, involved an upgraded version of a 240-mm, 24-tube multiple rocket launcher system, tactical ballistic missiles, and a 155-mm self-propelled howitzer, KCNA said.

The upgraded rocket launcher is equipped with an autonomous precision guidance system, with its firing range extended to 90 kilometres (56 miles), the media report said.

Kim, expressing satisfaction with the test results, said Pyongyang was pursuing automation, long-range capability and “ultra-precision” in its weapons programmes, according to KCNA.

The goal is for its defence along its southern border, Kim said, effectively referring to the one with South Korea.

In May, North Korea said it had tested a mix of tactical ballistic missiles, artillery rockets and AI-guided precision cruise missiles designed for modern warfare.

Pyongyang has been steadily upgrading its tactical and conventional arsenal, vowing to deploy weapons near the border with South Korea.

Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said the moves point to accelerating efforts to fortify the southern border and integrate nuclear and conventional forces as North Korea cements what it calls a relationship of two hostile states.

“The intent is ultimately to fully establish tactical nuclear and precision strike capabilities in forward units, placing all of South Korea within range,” Lim said.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry said the tests appeared to be part of North Korea’s five-year defence development plan.

(Reporting by Heejin Kim and Kyu-seok Shim; Editing by Rod Nickel and Ed Davies)