North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a live-fire drill of twelve 600mm-caliber rocket launchers on the country's east coast, state media confirmed. The test, conducted Saturday, coincided with U.S.-South Korea Freedom Shield command drills.
South Korea detected about 10 ballistic missiles launched from North Korea’s capital region toward the eastern sea. The South’s National Security Council condemned the launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions.
The weapon system, known as KN-25, is a hybrid short-range ballistic missile and multiple rocket launcher. It has an estimated range of 380 kilometers-enough to cover nearly all of South Korea from northern launch sites.
Kim stated the tactical nuclear-capable system could destroy any enemy military infrastructure within its reach. He emphasized the drill was defensive, part of a deterrence strategy aimed at ensuring "lasting peace."
Experts note the KN-25’s precision guidance and payload capacity, including the Hwasan-31 nuclear warhead. Pyongyang confirmed its nuclear compatibility in March 2023. Fifty new five-tube launchers entered service in February, signaling accelerated production.
Analyst Hong Min linked the timing directly to the allied exercises, calling it a practical demonstration of nuclear deterrence.