North Korea test-fires rocket launcher with new 'guiding system'

SEOUL: North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-firing of a 240mm multiple rocket launcher equipped with a new guiding system, state media announced on Wednesday. This development comes as Pyongyang continues to enhance its military capabilities and amid allegations of supplying arms to Russia.
About three months ago, North Korea stated its goal to outfit its military with this new 240mm multiple rocket launcher, which can target Seoul and surrounding areas.The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the rocket launcher had been "technically updated in its maneuverability and concentrated firing capability," proving its advantages in all indices.
"Updates included newly applied guiding system, controllability and destructive power," KCNA stated.
During the test-firing, Kim Jong Un also "set forth an important policy to be pursued in producing new artillery pieces and equipping army units with them," though further details were not provided. This development follows North Korea's recent unveiling of a "suicide drone," an unmanned aircraft designed to crash into enemy targets, acting effectively as guided missiles.
In February, North Korea announced a new control system for its multiple rocket launcher, anticipating a "qualitative change" in its defense capabilities. By May, it was declared that the updated rocket launcher would be deployed to units of the Korean People's Army between 2024 to 2026 as replacement equipment.
Inter-Korean relations are currently at a very low point, with Pyongyang designating South Korea as its "principal enemy." The North has closed agencies dedicated to reunification and has issued warnings over territorial infringements.
The test-firing by North Korea coincided with major annual joint military drills by South Korea and the United States, which ran until Thursday. These drills included new exercises aimed at containing North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
North Korea asserted that "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement could lead to war, highlighting the tense relationship between the neighbors.
The United States and South Korea have accused North Korea of supplying ammunition and missiles to Russia for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a charge that Pyongyang dismisses as "absurd." Analysts suggest that North Korea might be testing and increasing the production of artillery and cruise missiles possibly for this purpose.
North Korea, historically infuriated by joint US-South Korean military exercises, decries these drills as rehearsals for invasion. The ongoing military activities underscore the heightened tensions and continuous arms advancements by the isolated, nuclear-armed country.