N Korea tests new weapons: Kim Jong says "Keeping enemies in constant fear key to war deterrence"
Seoul, June 26
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has observed major weapon tests, including a new multiple rocket launcher, the Yonhap news outlet reported on Friday, citing the North's official media.
The development comes days after North Korea commissioned its first naval destroyer, a 5,000-ton warship, Choe Hyon, which Kim has touted as a symbol of the country's growing naval and nuclear capabilities.
Yonhap reported that weapon tests watched by Kim were conducted on Thursday to coincide with the 76th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1950-53 Korean war "in an apparent bid to demonstrate its ability to target major facilities in the South" including US military bases there.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests were part of North Korea's project to modernise the artillery and missile systems under a five-year defence development plan. The tests, it said, were meant to evaluate the combat characteristics of an upgraded version of the 240mm 24-tube multiple rocket launcher system, the power of a "special mission" warhead for tactical ballistic missiles, and the hitting accuracy of the extended-range shells for a 155mm self-propelled howitzer, the KCNA reported.
Kim was quoted as saying, "Making our enemies remain in a state of constant anxiety and fear is an important aspect of exercising war deterrence."
The North Korean leader added, "We will let the enemies come to know within the shortest possible time that all of our long-range strike means have been replaced with upgraded versions."
Kim has termed South Korea as his country's "primary foe" in late 2023, and in recent months, Pyongyang has ramped up tests of artillery systems and other weapons that could put South Korea within its range.
Kim has also, over the past few years expanded ties with Russia with his support of its war against Ukraine. Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with Kim.
— ANI
Reader Comments
From an Indian perspective, this is a classic case of military bluff and posturing. Kim Jong-un is using these tests to extract economic concessions and maintain domestic control. The nuclear and missile development is a major concern for global security, but look at how Russia and China are enabling him. We need a united front like the UN to impose stricter sanctions.
"Keeping enemies in constant fear" - this sounds like something out of a Bollywood villain dialogue! 😂 But on a serious note, North Korea's actions are destabilizing the entire Indo-Pacific region. India's Act East policy requires a stable neighbourhood, and this isn't helping. The US and South Korea need to strengthen their deterrence while keeping diplomatic channels open.
This is not just about North Korea vs South Korea anymore. With Kim expanding ties with Russia and China, it's becoming a proxy confrontation between global powers. India must be cautious - we have our own border issues with China. We need to strengthen our defense posture and maintain strategic autonomy. Saare dharmon ka samman karte hain, but security comes first.
As someone who follows global affairs, this is a classic case of authoritarian regime using external threat to justify internal repression. The new rocket launcher and warship are worrying, but what's more concerning is Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea last month. It shows China is backing Kim despite UN sanctions. India should work with Quad partners to counter this axis of instability.
Kim Jong-un's statement about keeping enemies in constant fear is essentially terrorism at a state level.
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