During a ceremony on Wednesday, Kim described the 600mm-calibre rocket launchers as “wonderful” and “attractive,” adding that new military and construction targets would be set at the upcoming congress
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled dozens of nuclear-capable rocket launchers ahead of a key congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, according to state media.
During a ceremony on Wednesday, Kim described the 600mm-calibre rocket launchers as “wonderful” and “attractive,” adding that new military and construction targets would be set at the upcoming congress.
State news agency Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday that North Korean munitions workers presented 50 of the launchers.
“When this weapon is used, actually, no force would be able to expect God’s protection,” Kim said, according to KCNA, calling it “a wonderful and attractive weapon.”
Photographs released by state media showed rows of launch vehicles lined up at Pyongyang’s House of Culture, the venue expected to host the congress.
Kim said the weapon was “appropriate for a special attack,” a phrase often used to refer to nuclear capabilities, adding that it incorporates artificial intelligence technology and composite guidance systems intended to deter unnamed adversaries.
In recent weeks, Kim has highlighted progress on several projects ahead of the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party, widely regarded as North Korea’s most significant political event.
He said the gathering would mark the next phase of the country’s self-reliant defence policy and accelerate efforts to modernise military capabilities to counter external threats.
The congress is expected to outline North Korea’s foreign policy direction, war planning and nuclear strategy for the next five years.
Reports of delegates arriving have fuelled speculation that the meeting could begin soon.
South Korea’s military said it is closely monitoring North Korea’s weapons development activities.
Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP that the launch system could fire rockets with an estimated range of about 400 kilometres (250 miles), potentially covering all of South Korea.
Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep