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North Korea to Deploy New Long-Range Artillery Near Seoul Border by 2026

North Korea plans to deploy a new 155 mm self-propelled howitzer along its border with South Korea by 2026. The weapon has a range exceeding 60 km, placing Seoul within firing range. Leader Kim Jong-un inspected a munitions factory and a new destroyer, emphasizing military modernization. The moves signal continued escalation of North Korea's defense capabilities.

Key Points: North Korea Deploys New Howitzer Near Seoul Border

  • North Korea to deploy new self-propelled howitzers along southern border by 2026
  • Howitzers have striking range exceeding 60 km, enough to reach Seoul
  • Kim Jong-un inspects munitions factory and reviews production
  • Kim also visits 5,000-tonne destroyer Choe Hyon for maneuvering test
  • North Korea pushes naval modernization with new destroyer class
2 min read

North Korea to deploy new long-range artillery along border with Seoul this year: KCNA

North Korea plans to deploy new 155 mm self-propelled howitzers along the border with Seoul by 2026, as Kim Jong-un inspects munitions factory and warship.

"The year 2026 will also record an unprecedented upgrade in the course of struggle for bolstering up the national defence capability of the country - Kim Jong-un"

Seoul, May 8

North Korea plans to deploy a new self-propelled howitzer along its border with South Korea by the end of this year, state media said Friday, as it seeks to bolster its defence capabilities.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a munitions factory Wednesday to review production of a "new-type 155 mm self-propelled gun-howitzer" destined for three battalions to be stationed at a long-range artillery unit along the "southern border."

The self-propelled gun-howitzer has a striking range exceeding 60 kilometres, the report said, which is enough to place Seoul within firing range of North Korean front-line positions.

Kim "reaffirmed that the year 2026 will also record an unprecedented upgrade in the course of struggle for bolstering up the national defence capability of the country," the KCNA said, urging cadres to achieve "signal successes every day" through intensified efforts to strengthen military readiness.

In a separate KCNA report, Kim visited the 5,000-tonne warship Choe Hyon on Thursday to observe a maneuvering assessment test ahead of its commissioning.

Photos released by state media showed Kim's daughter Ju-ae accompanying him on the inspection.

He boarded the destroyer and took part in a navigation test conducted in the Yellow Sea and inspected the vessel's operational capabilities and combat readiness.

Expressing satisfaction with the ship's construction progress, Kim ordered it to be delivered to the navy by mid-June as scheduled, according to the report.

Pyongyang has conducted a series of strategic cruise missile tests from the destroyer, which analysts believe may be capable of carrying nuclear warheads, Yonhap news agency reported.

North Korea unveiled the Choe Hyon destroyer in April last year as part of a broader push to modernise its naval forces.

Following the launch of a similar destroyer, the Kang Kon, in June 2025, Kim ordered the construction of a third vessel of the same class in time for the ruling Workers' Party of Korea's founding anniversary on October 10.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Laura Z
I don't think this is purely defensive. Unless there's a genuine threat, why deploy such long-range artillery near a civilian population? The international community needs to step up pressure. It's disturbing how the daughter is paraded at military events too.
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Kavitha C
As someone who follows East Asian affairs, this is concerning but not surprising. North Korea always uses artillery deployments as leverage. The 155mm howitzer with 60km range is scary - that puts Seoul in the danger zone. 😔 But India should also be careful - our border issues need similar attention to modernisation.
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Alexander G
Honestly, I think the timing is interesting - right after the Kang Kon destroyer launch. North Korea is clearly on a military modernisation spree. But the real concern is nuclear capability on these platforms. If those missiles can carry warheads, the entire region becomes unstable. India must engage with South Korea on this.
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Pooja D
It's sad that 70 years after the Korean War, tensions remain so high. Families separated, constant fear of shelling. 😢 India's experience with cross-border terrorism should make us appreciate how fragile peace can be. Hope saner minds prevail in Pyongyang.
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Jacob K
A 60km range self-propelled howitzer aimed at Seoul? That's basically pointing a gun at a city of 10 million. North Korea does this every few years - it's brinkmanship. But with nuclear ambitions, it's more dangerous now. UN Security Council should impose much stronger sanctions. The apathy is frustrating.

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