▲ This image, captured from the website of North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on June 26, 2026, shows North Korea conducting tests of a new multiple rocket launcher and other weapons the previous day, attended by its leader Kim Jong-un. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
▲ This image, captured from the website of North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on June 26, 2026, shows leader Kim Jong-un (C) overseeing tests of a new multiple rocket launcher and other weapons the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
▲ These images, captured from the website of North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on June 26, 2026, show the North conducting tests of a new multiple rocket launcher and other weapons the previous day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

N Korea-weapons tests

N. Korea's Kim oversees tests of key weapons seen as aimed at S. Korea

SEOUL, June 26 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has overseen testing of a new multiple rocket launcher and other weapons, Pyongyang's state media reported Friday, in what appeared to be tests aimed at enhancing capabilities of strike means targeting South Korea.

North Korea conducted the weapons tests Thursday, 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.

The North's leader supervised the test of "important weapons" as part of the country's project to modernize the artillery and missile systems under a five-year defense development plan, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea evaluated "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.

With the latest tests, North Korea appeared to be focused on upgrading the performance of striking means that could put South Korea within its range.

Expressing his satisfaction with the test results, Kim said the latest tests proved major weapons' technical progress amid "changes in the firepower posture along the southern border," according to the KCNA.

The KCNA said the upgraded 24-tube rocket launcher involved the autonomous precision guidance system, calling it an "improved corps-level firepower system" whose range was extended to 90 kilometers.

North Korea said a special mission warhead for tactical ballistic missiles was designed for "lethal destruction" of major targets, such as the enemy's airfields, ports and electricity infrastructure. The North also conducted a test of the 65km extended-range shells for the 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

"Making our enemies remain in a state of constant anxiety and fear is an important aspect of exercising war deterrence," Kim was quoted as saying. "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."

North Korea has designated South Korea as its "primary foe," since its leader Kim declared inter-Korean ties as those between "two states hostile to each other" in late 2023. In recent months, Pyongyang has ramped up tests of artillery systems and other weapons that could put South Korea within its range.

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