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Korea Herald
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
N. Korea's Kim oversees missile test, emphasizes combat readiness of nuclear forces
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen a joint strike drill involving long-range artillery and a short-range tactical ballistic missile while emphasizing the combat readiness of its nuclear forces, state media reported Friday, a day after the country launched multiple ballistic missiles. The drill was aimed at familiarizing military units with the weapons' operations, and the test-fire verified the reliability of the command and mobilization system to quickly react during a nuclear crisis, the Korean Central News Agency said. The drill involved a 600-millimeter multilayer rocket system and the Hwasongpho-11-Ka tactical ballistic missile, according to the KCNA. "Stressing the need to steadily enhance the pivotal role of the nuclear force in all aspects of the strategy to deter war and the strategy to fight war," Kim said, according to the KCNA report. "It is very important to steadily perfect the normal combat readiness of the nuclear force." Between 8:10 a.m. and 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, South Korea's military detected the launch of multiple short-range ballistic missiles of various types from the North's eastern coastal city of Wonsan, the fourth ballistic missile test by the country so far this year. The South Korean military speculated that the launch may have been part of a performance test linked to North Korea's arms transactions with Russia. Kim ordered a further increase in the combat reliability and operational space of the tactical nuclear weapons systems, stressing the need to enhance "the pivotal role" of nuclear forces in all aspects of the strategy to deter and fight a war, the KCNA also said. "The radical growth of the artillery force would foresee many changes in the practice of our future military actions and give greater and different possibilities to securing the operational capabilities of our army," the KCNA quoted Kim as saying. Prior to the launch, the drill also inspected the operational reliability of the Haekbangashoe system, or the nuclear trigger system in English, a comprehensive nuclear weapons management system that links a launch order to the actual execution process, developed in 2023. The KCNA accused the US and its allied countries of staging a series of nuclear operation drills on and around the Korean Peninsula and treating a nuclear war against North Korea "a fait accompli," calling it a "reckless" act that requires the military to maintain "a rapid reaction capability and a thoroughgoing war posture." The KCNA also quoted a defense ministry spokesman as describing the drill as a measure to demonstrate "the rapid counteraction posture and capability of the armed forces" in the event of a "change of the military situation in the sensitive region." During Kim's "field guidance" Thursday, he was accompanied by Jang Chang-ha, general director of the Missile Administration, and Kim Yong-hwan, president of the Academy of Defence Sciences, as well as several high-ranking party officials. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
N. Korea tests new 5,000-ton destroyer amid suspicions of Russian tech support
North Korea has conducted weapons tests of its new 5,000 metric ton multipurpose destroyer, the Choe Hyon-class vessel, state media reported Wednesday, marking a major step in its naval modernization and fueling speculation of technological support from Russia. According to The Rodong Sinmun, the tests were carried out over two days, Monday and Tuesday, following the ship's launch ceremony Friday. The trials were intended to evaluate the vessel's weapon systems and overall combat performance. On the first day, North Korea fired a range of weapons from the destroyer, including supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles and a 127-millimeter automatic naval gun. The second day included tests of tactical antiship guided weapons, various automatic cannons, and countermeasure systems such as smoke screens and electronic jammers. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the first day of testing and reportedly called for the acceleration of naval nuclear armament. He was quoted as saying it was time to make 'responsible decisions' to strengthen maritime defense capabilities and stressed the importance of establishing 'an offensive and proactive defense posture based on powerful strike capability.' Kim was accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae and key officials, including Missile Administration Director Jang Chang-ha, Central Military Commission member Kim Jong-sik, and party secretary Jo Chun-ryong, according to the report. The Choe Hyon-class destroyer is believed to be equipped with the Hwasan-class cruise missile system, which is potentially capable of carrying nuclear warheads, signaling North Korea's effort to establish a second-strike capability. This would allow the regime to conduct nuclear retaliation from sea-based platforms should its land-based systems be neutralized. Military experts in South Korea say the vessel's features — including its supersonic missile system, phased-array radar and integrated air defense system — closely resemble Russian military designs and suggest significant North Korea-Russia technical cooperation. Rep. Yoo Yong-won, a former military journalist and lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party, said the destroyer's radar and air defense system appear to be modeled after Russia's Pantsir system. 'There's a high possibility that North Korea received advanced weapons technologies from Russia in return for dispatching forces to support Moscow in the war in Ukraine,' he said.
Dubai Eye
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
North Korea's Kim oversees test-fire of surface-to-air missiles
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of the country's latest anti-aircraft missile system on Thursday, state media KCNA reported, as some experts said Pyongyang was probably getting technical help from Russiato perfect such systems. Kim thanked what was referred to as a research group for the system. The test-firing showed it was "highly reliable" and its combat response was "advantageous," KCNA said in its report on Friday. The test conducted by North Korea's Missile Administration was to examine the performance of a system whose production has already begun, it said. KCNA did not specify where the test was held, but said Kim was joined by members of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. Photographs supplied by KCNA showed a plume from a missile soaring into the sky and a mid-air explosion. Other images showed Kim apparently observing the test and then smiling. Experts said Pyongyang might be receiving help from Russia for the anti-aircraft missile system, particularly given how security ties have become increasingly entwined. South Korea's national security adviser said last year that Russia had provided North Korea with anti-air missiles and air defence equipment in return for sending troops to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine. Shin Seung-ki, head of research on North Korea's military at the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, also noted although North Korea has made ballistic missiles on its own, it was far harder to produce interceptor missiles without additional help. "It's much more complicated because there's not just missiles, but a detection and tracking radar, and there's a command and control system," Shin said. South Korea's military was aware in advance of a possible missile launch which ended up taking place about 9.00 am (0000 GMT) on Thursday in North Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing an official from the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Seoul and Washington wrapped up their latest annual joint military drills, known as Freedom Shield, on Thursday. They say such exercises are defensive, but Pyongyang has long demanded a halt to US-South Korea joint exercises, branding them a prelude to an invasion. In a statement carried by KCNA, a spokesperson for North Korea's defence ministry criticised the latest joint drills by South Korea and the United States, calling them "reckless" and "a rehearsal of war". All options for containing the US and South Korea were being considered, including the use of the "most destructive and deadly military means", the statement said, while urging the militaries of both countries to stop their acts.
Asharq Al-Awsat
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
North Korea's Kim Oversees Test-Fire of Surface-to-Air Missiles
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of the country's latest anti-aircraft missile system on Thursday, state media KCNA reported, as some experts said Pyongyang was probably getting technical help from Russia to perfect such systems. Kim thanked what was referred to as a research group for the system. The test-firing showed it was "highly reliable" and its combat response was "advantageous," KCNA said in its report on Friday. The test conducted by North Korea's Missile Administration was to examine the performance of a system whose production has already begun, it said. KCNA did not specify where the test was held, but said Kim was joined by members of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. Photographs supplied by KCNA showed a plume from a missile soaring into the sky and a mid-air explosion. Other images showed Kim apparently observing the test and then smiling. Experts said Pyongyang might be receiving help from Russia for the anti-aircraft missile system, particularly given how security ties have become increasingly entwined. "In the past North Korea has introduced Soviet weapon systems and developed weapons based on them, and it is highly likely that Russia has given correspondingly what North Korea demands because of the strengthening of cooperation," said Shin Seung-ki, head of research on North Korea's military at the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. South Korea's national security adviser said last year that Russia had provided North Korea with anti-air missiles and air defense equipment in return for sending troops to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine. Shin also noted although North Korea has made ballistic missiles on its own, it was far harder to produce interceptor missiles without additional help. "It's much more complicated because there's not just missiles, but a detection and tracking radar, and there's a command and control system," Shin said. South Korea's military was aware in advance of a possible missile launch which ended up taking place about 9 a.m. (0000 GMT) on Thursday in North Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing an official from the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Seoul and Washington wrapped up their latest annual joint military drills, known as Freedom Shield, on Thursday. They say such exercises are defensive, but Pyongyang has long demanded a halt to US-South Korea joint exercises, branding them a prelude to an invasion. In a statement carried by KCNA, a spokesperson for North Korea's defense ministry criticized the latest joint drills by South Korea and the United States, calling them "reckless" and "a rehearsal of war." All options for containing the US and South Korea were being considered, including the use of the "most destructive and deadly military means", the statement said, while urging the militaries of both countries to stop their acts.
Al Jazeera
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
North Korea tests anti-aircraft weapons as Russia's security chief arrives
The latest launch appears to be 'the testing of weapons for export to Russia to be used in Ukraine', expert says. Published On 21 Mar 2025 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the test-firing of the country's latest anti-aircraft missile system, according to state media, as Russia's security chief arrived in Pyongyang for talks. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday that the latest test proved that the new weapons are 'highly reliable', adding that the country's combat response was 'advantageous'. The announcement came just a day after South Korea wrapped up an annual joint military exercise with the US, which Pyongyang separately denounced on Friday as 'a rehearsal of war of aggression'. KCNA said Thursday's test conducted by North Korea's Missile Administration was to examine the performance of a system whose production has already begun. The report did not specify where the test was held but said Kim was joined by members of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea. The agency quoted Kim as saying that the test proved that its army 'would be 'equipped with another major defence weapon system with laudable combat performance'. Photographs supplied by KCNA showed a plume from a missile soaring into the sky and a midair explosion. Other images showed Kim apparently observing the test and then smiling. South Korea's military was aware in advance of a possible missile launch which ended up taking place at about 9am (00:00 GMT) on Thursday in North Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing an official from the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). Experts said Pyongyang might be receiving help from Russia for the anti-aircraft missile system, particularly given how security ties have become increasingly entwined. Shin Seung-ki, head of research on North Korea's military at the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, told the Reuters news agency that because of the 'strengthening of cooperation' with Russia, it is 'highly likely' that Moscow gave Pyongyang what it demanded in building the new weapons. Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told the AFP news agency that the latest launch appears to be 'the testing of weapons for export to Russia to be used in Ukraine'. Russian official visits On Friday, Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in Pyongyang to meet with Kim and other officials, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. Earlier this month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko also travelled to Pyongyang, where he met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. Last year, South Korea's national security adviser said Russia had provided North Korea with anti-air missiles and air defence equipment in return for sending troops to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine.
