North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversees a series of short-range ballistic missile tests simulating tactical nuclear counterattacks on the US and South Korean troops, the state media reported as Pyongyang denounced enemy joint military training to raise tensions.
According to the South Korean Central Press, Thursday’s test was part of a training exercise aimed at increasing the operational effectiveness of missile and rocket units under North Korea’s nuclear command structure.
The launch demonstrated a “rapid counterattack” of the administration’s troops in response to the nuclear threat, the agency said.
The test included a mobile ballistic missile system similar to Russian Iskander and multiple 600 mm rocket launchers.
Korean officials classify both systems as ballistic missiles due to their guided trajectory and propulsion capabilities.
Kim Jong-un reportedly emphasized the need to expand the role of nuclear forces in both deterrence and combat scenarios.
He criticized joint military training by the US and its allies, calling for greater military readiness and improved precision strike capabilities, calling for joint military training by North Korea as provocative.
South Korean troops had previously detected several launches from North Korea’s east coast, but missiles fired from near Wonsan between 8:10-9:20am.
According to the Co-State Chief of Staff, the longest projectile traveled about 800 km.
Co-Chief spokesman Lee Sang-Jong said it may have been launched into a test of weapons intended for export, especially amid suspicions that North Korea continues to provide military support to Russia in its war with Ukraine.
South Korea’s Ministry of Unification has condemned the launch as “clear acts of provocation” and a violation of the UN Security Council resolution.
Spokesman Kim In-Naye said the test posed a threat to regional peace and stability.
The Japanese Defense Minister confirmed that there were no missiles entering Japan’s exclusive economic zone and no damage has been reported to aircraft or maritime traffic.
The first mark since March 10, when the administration fired multiple projectiles in response to this year’s North Korea’s sixth known missile event and the annual US-Korea joint military exercises.
In another development, KCNA reported on Friday that Kim visited the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
During his visit, he praised the “long-standing strategic ties” between North Korea and Russia.
The weapons test comes a day after Kim encourages an increase in shell production and further shows his deep military ties with Moscow.
