North Korea has unveiled a test launch of new tactical weapons systems, again signaling its intent to strengthen military power aimed at the South. In particular, by saying it will deploy a 100-kilometer-class tactical cruise missile to long-range artillery units in the southern border area, analysts say it has raised the threat level to the capital region.
According to the Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun on the 27th, North Korea the previous day conducted test launches of a new "light-class multipurpose missile launching system" and "multiple-launch tactical cruise missile weapons systems" led by the Academy of National Defense Science. Kim Jong-un, chairperson of the State Affairs Commission, personally observed the scene.
North Korea claimed that in this test it verified the power of the "special-mission warhead" of a tactical ballistic missile, the precision-guidance performance of an extended-range 240-millimeter guided rocket artillery round, and the artificial intelligence (AI) terminal guidance accuracy of a tactical cruise missile.
The agency described the new tactical cruise missile as "a weapons systems that combines an ultra-precise autonomous navigation system and a terrain-contour matching navigation system and introduces an artificial intelligence terminal guidance function," adding that "with a combined glide-and-propulsion flight profile, it can strike a 100-kilometer line target with ultra-precision."
It then said the weapons systems will be deployed to long-range artillery brigades in the southern border area. If North Korea's claim is true, deployment near the Military Demarcation Line could bring much of the capital region, including Seoul, within range.
Kim said, "The important weapons systems development tests conducted today are a clear signal of our military power renewal," adding, "The fire-control systems and automation systems of all launch vehicles have been completely renewed to suit modern warfare."
Kim also said, "The current situation is urging constant military power renewal," stressing that "it is the top policy direction to build the most modern and powerful artillery force that no one can match."
Kim argued, "It is essential to be equipped with destructive power to the extent that, in theory, the hostile force's very survival is impossible," adding, "that in itself is an important link in war deterrence."
Earlier, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected multiple types of projectiles, including a short-range ballistic missile and rocket artillery, launched into the Yellow Sea from around Jongju, North Pyongan Province, the previous day. Military authorities said it is unusual for North Korea to fire a short-range ballistic missile and rocket artillery simultaneously, and are focusing on the possibility of a so-called "mixed firing" tactic to demonstrate an ability to evade air defenses.
Some view the test launch as a response to the South Korean government's move to develop a nuclear-powered submarine. Ahn Gyu-baek, Minister of the Ministry of National Defense, was said to have reported a basic plan for developing a nuclear-powered submarine to President Lee Jae-myung at the Future Defense Strategy Committee held in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang, the previous day.
North Korea's ballistic missile launch came 37 days after the 19th of last month and was the eighth this year.