North Korea Test-Fires Tactical Ballistic Missile
North Korea conducted a test-fire of a tactical ballistic missile equipped with a new “autonomous navigation system,” as reported by state media. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, personally oversaw the test-launch into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. The mission aimed to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the autonomous navigation system.
Sophisticated Weapon Tests by North Korea
North Korea has been conducting a series of increasingly sophisticated tests, including the firing of cruise missiles, tactical rockets, and hypersonic weapons in recent months. These tests are part of the country’s efforts to upgrade its defenses.
Denial of Weapons Transfer Allegations
Hours after the test-launch, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, denied allegations by Seoul and Washington that Pyongyang is shipping weapons to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine. She emphasized that North Korea has no intention to export its military technical capabilities to any country.
Verification of Autonomous Navigation System
Seoul’s military described the test as involving several flying objects presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles. The missiles traveled around 300 kilometers before splashing down in waters between South Korea and Japan. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the test verified the accuracy and reliability of the autonomous navigation system, with Kim Jong Un expressing great satisfaction with the launch.
Kim’s Call for Strengthening the Nuclear Force
During a visit to a military production facility, Kim Jong Un urged for the rapid bolstering of North Korea’s nuclear force without halt and hesitation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear combat posture to deter potential threats.
North Korea’s Strategic Plans
The KCNA stated that North Korea’s nuclear force will undergo a significant change and occupy a raised strategic position upon the completion of its munitions production plan by 2025. This plan aims to enhance the nation’s war readiness and deterrent capabilities.
International Reactions and Speculations
Seoul and Washington have accused North Korea of violating UN sanctions by sending arms to Russia. Experts suggest that the recent weapons tests may be related to potential use on battlefields in Ukraine. The timing of the tests coinciding with Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s visit to China has raised speculations about North Korea’s intentions to attract international attention.