North Korea has carried out major weapons tests as part of a broader effort to bolster its military and reinforce its southern frontier amid heightened tensions with South Korea.
Seoul announced on Friday that it is building an extensive force of “drone warriors” following Pyongyang’s recent exhibitions of military capability and a directive from leader Kim Jong Un calling for a “deadly and destructive offensive posture,” according to the state news agency KCNA.
Kim has ordered the armed forces to ensure that adversaries experience persistent uncertainty and fear, a key element of deterrence, and to refrain from aggressive actions.
The tested hardware included a “special mission” ballistic missile warhead, an upgraded rocket launcher with an extended range, and a self‑propelled gun‑howitzer, as reported by the Associated Press.
Enhanced Capabilities
KCNA indicated that the new warhead is intended to inflict fatal damage on critical enemy installations such as airfields, ports, and power infrastructure.
Kim emphasized the pursuit of “ultra‑precision” and long‑range performance in the weapons program, citing the progress made in firing capabilities along the southern border.
Analysts note that these upgrades enable North Korea to project power throughout the entirety of South Korea.
The United States maintains several military installations in South Korea, hosting approximately 28,500 personnel.
North Korea has intensified its military modernization since diplomatic talks with the United States stalled in 2019.
Earlier this week, Kim asserted that the navy would receive nuclear weapons and larger vessels, ensuring readiness for “multifaceted and efficient” operations.
In response to U.S. attempts to revive diplomacy, Kim stressed that North Korea will not abandon its nuclear deterrent.
‘Drone Warriors’
The accelerated North Korean military development has heightened South Korean vigilance and prompted expectations of increased U.S. support.
Last week, South Korean President Lee Jae‑myung reported that former President Donald Trump had indicated that “the time had come to pay attention to the North Korea issue.”
On Friday, the South Korean defence ministry announced plans to substantially expand its drone inventory, both in quantity and operational range, to counter the growing threat from the North.
Defence Minister Ahn Gyu‑back stated that the military aims to train 500,000 “drone warriors” capable of employing drones as personal weapons.
He highlighted the urgent need to adapt to an evolving security environment, noting that Pyongyang is receiving technological assistance from Russia.
President Lee also unveiled intentions to develop five defence firms worth $650 million by 2030.
