Kim Jong Un Supervises 18-Missile Salvo, Warns South Korea

 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the firing drill of 600mm "super-large" multiple rocket launchers on Thursday, as reported by state news agency KCNA. North Korea claims it fired 18 short-range ballistic missiles during the drill as a demonstration of its readiness to launch a pre-emptive strike against South Korea's "gangsters' regime" if necessary.

Kim Jong Un guided the firing drill, and the missiles successfully hit their target, an island approximately 365 kilometers (227 miles) away. This event followed South Korea's detection of at least 10 short-range ballistic missiles fired by North Korea off its east coast, which some have suggested could be a display for potential buyers, including Russia.

Photos released by state media showed the 18 missiles, known as KN-25s, being launched from mobile platforms. These "super-large" rockets, first tested in 2019, blur the line between multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), according to the Center for International and Strategic Studies. North Korea has indicated that such missiles could be equipped with tactical nuclear weapons.

Kim emphasized the need for the country's nuclear forces to be ready for both deterrence and proactive operations in case of war. The drill, which included a recently unveiled fire-control system as part of the government's combined nuclear weapons management system, demonstrated North Korea's resolve to defend its sovereignty and respond to its enemies.

The U.S. State Department condemned the launch, calling it reckless and a violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions. Meanwhile, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency confirmed that debris analysis shows Russia has used North Korean missiles in its war in Ukraine, despite denials from both countries about arms deals that would violate U.N. embargoes.

KCNA also criticized the deployment of U.S. RC-135U reconnaissance aircraft from Japan to the Korean peninsula, alleging that such reconnaissance activities by South Korea and the U.S. infringe on North Korea's sovereignty. South Korean media reported that a U.S. military spy plane flew over the Seoul metropolitan area and nearby waters this week.

Additionally, on Wednesday, North Korea sent hundreds of balloons carrying trash and manure across the heavily fortified border to South Korea, calling them "gifts of sincerity." This act prompted an angry response from Seoul, which described it as base and dangerous.