North Korea Tests Missile Systems, Kim Jong Un Says Adversaries Cannot Survive

North Korea has tested a new lightweight multi-role missile launcher system and a dual tactical cruise missile weapon system, with President Kim Jong Un overseeing the trials, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

South Korea reported on Tuesday (26 May) that North Korea fired several projectiles, including ballistic missiles, off its western coast, the latest in a series of tests this year. Seoul stated the missiles flew approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles).

Analysts suggest Pyongyang’s recent missile tests may be an attempt to exploit eroding international norms to bolster its nuclear status.

KCNA’s English-language report stated the launches ‘analyse and estimate the warhead strength of tactical ballistic missiles and the reliability of 240mm artillery rockets with extended range using ultra-precise autonomous navigation systems.’

Kim Jong Un noted that ‘the main weapon systems represent a clear signal of our military strength enhancement and a milestone in significant technological progress,’ according to KCNA. ‘It is a crucial requirement for our military operations to possess sufficient destructive power to theoretically render any opposing force unable to survive, except by luck,’ he added.

A KCNA-released photo showed a missile launching from a mobile launcher with bright exhaust flames and billowing smoke around the vehicle. Another image depicted Kim standing beside the mobile launcher flanked by military officials.

North Korea faces various UN sanctions prohibiting nuclear weapons development and ballistic missile technology use, which have been repeatedly violated. Tuesday’s launch was the first in 37 days and the eighth test this year. In April, Pyongyang conducted a ballistic missile test ‘to verify the characteristics and warhead strength of cluster bombs,’ state media reported at the time.