Kim Jong Un calls for bolstered ‘destructive’ military posture after weapons tests
9 reported
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed major weapons tests and called for strengthening the military’s “deadly and destructive offensive posture,” according to state media reports on Friday. The tests, conducted on Thursday, evaluated a special mission warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, an upgraded multiple rocket launch system, and the accuracy of extended-range shells for a self-propelled gun-howitzer. Kim stated the results proved technological progress aimed at changing the fire posture on southern border areas, implying the weapons target sites in South Korea, including U.S. military bases. In response, South Korea’s Defense Ministry announced plans to drastically boost its drone warfare capabilities, including developing long-range exploding drones and training all 500,000 troops as “drone warriors.” Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back cited growing North Korean military threats and alleged technology transfers from Russia as reasons for the urgent response. The developments come amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with Kim pushing to strengthen nuclear and conventional capabilities while refusing to return to talks with South Korea and the United States.
What’s reported
Kim Jong Un observed major weapons tests on Thursday, according to state media.
The tests evaluated a special mission warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, an upgraded multiple rocket launch system, and extended-range shells for a self-propelled gun-howitzer.
Kim called for bolstering the military’s “deadly and destructive offensive posture.”
The special mission warhead is aimed at inflicting fatal damage on airfields, ports, and power facilities of the enemy.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry announced plans to boost drone forces, including developing long-range exploding drones and acquiring over 20,000 low-cost reconnaissance and attack drones.
South Korea plans to train its entire 500,000 troops as “drone warriors.”
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said North Korea is receiving technology transfers from Russia.
On Tuesday, North Korea commissioned the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, its most advanced warship.
Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited North Korea for the first time in seven years for a meeting with Kim.
Key figures
Kim Jong Un, North Korean leader
Ahn Gyu-back, South Korean Defense Minister
Donald Trump, former U.S. President (mentioned in context of 2019 diplomacy collapse)
Xi Jinping, Chinese President (mentioned in context of recent visit)
Sources: abcnews.com
