North Korea Conducts “Nuclear Trigger” Drills
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the country’s first-ever “nuclear trigger” drills, as reported by the state-run KCNA news agency. The drills involved simulating a nuclear counterattack as a warning to enemies.
Showcasing the Nuclear Trigger Management System
The drills showcased North Korea’s “nuclear trigger” management system for the first time, highlighting the country’s combined control system for its nuclear weapons. Kim guided a combined tactical drill simulating a nuclear counterattack involving super-large multiple rocket artillerymen.
Drill Details
- The drill took place on Monday, with rockets hitting their island target 352 kilometers away.
- The exercise examined the reliability of the system of command, management, control, and operation of the whole nuclear force.
- The drills were in response to a US-South Korean joint air drill running from April 12 to April 26.
North Korea’s Response
Pyongyang claims it is seriously threatened by hostile forces’ ceaseless military provocations, leading to the need to bolster up its military muscle rapidly and overwhelmingly.
Recent Developments
The latest launch involved a scenario showing how the Kim regime would respond to a surprise aerial bombing, potentially involving retaliation by nuclear missiles at the South.
Pyongyang declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear weapons state in 2022, asserting its right to conduct preemptive nuclear attacks.
Continued Testing and Tensions
Last year, North Korea conducted a record number of missile tests in defiance of UN sanctions, despite warnings from Washington and Seoul.
