North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees latest test of new rocket launcher

leader of north korea Kim Jong-un South Korean state media on Saturday oversaw another test-fire of a new multiple rocket launch system that the country plans to deploy to its military starting this year as part of expanding its lineup of weapons to target population centers in South Korea. It was reported.

North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency said Friday's test confirmed the “superiority and destructive power” of its 240mm multiple rocket artillery and guided artillery shells. The agency said the system, which North Korea has already tested twice this year, is scheduled to be deployed to combat forces from 2024 to 2026 as a replacement for older weapons.

north korea In recent months, it has maintained an accelerating pace of weapons testing as it expands its military capabilities while pursuing diplomacy with the United States. South Korea It remains stagnant.

Experts say Kim's ultimate goal is to pressure the United States to accept North Korea as a nuclear power and negotiate economic and security concessions from a position of strength. .

North Korea has focused on artillery systems in recent weeks. Its test activities included firing a volley of 600mm multiple rocket launchers in April, which state media reported as a simulated nuclear counterattack against enemy targets.

North Korea has conducted a variety of cruise missile tests this year as well, flight-testing what it says is a solid-fuel intermediate-range missile with hypersonic warhead capabilities. Experts say the weapon is designed to reach far-flung U.S. targets in the Pacific, including the military hub of Guam.

After Friday's tests, Kim issued instructions to maximize production. 240mm multiple rocket launcher He said the guided artillery shells would bring about “significant changes” to the military's combat capabilities, according to North Korea's news agency.

North Korea's artillery systems are designed to target South Korea's capital region, home to half of the country's 51 million people, but South Korean military officials have also warned that North Korea's recent tests could be exported to Russia. They suspect that the purpose is to inspect the planned weapons.

U.S. and South Korean officials have accused North Korea of ​​providing artillery shells, missiles and other military equipment to Russia to support the escalation of fighting in Ukraine.

Mr. Kim has sought in recent months to raise the profile of his ties with Moscow and China as he seeks to break out of diplomatic isolation and join a united front against the United States.