North Korea has taken a significant step in bolstering its nuclear arsenal, delivering 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units. The move was highlighted at a ceremony where leader Kim Jong Un emphasized the need for continuous expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities, citing perceived threats from the United States. This latest development underlines Kim’s growing focus on nuclear weapons as a means to strengthen North Korea’s military capacity along the border with South Korea. Notably, Kim has authorized preemptive nuclear strikes if he deems the country’s leadership to be under threat.
The missile launchers, produced by North Korea’s munitions factories, are designed for “tactical” ballistic missiles, which are suitable for lower-yield nuclear weapons. The Korean Central News Agency confirmed the details, emphasizing the launchers’ role in providing “overwhelming” firepower over South Korea, effectively improving the practicality and efficiency of their tactical nuclear weapons. Images from the ceremony in Pyongyang showcased army-green launcher trucks and a large crowd, including fireworks, further emphasizing the significance of the event.
North Korea’s expansion of short-range mobile weapons serves a dual purpose. It aims to challenge South Korea’s missile defenses while simultaneously advancing the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland. Kim’s recent weapons tests and threats are seen as a tactic to pressure the US into recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power and lifting existing sanctions. The ongoing war in Ukraine has provided Kim with an opportunity to accelerate weapons development under the guise of international attention.
In response to North Korea’s actions, the US, South Korea, and Japan have ramped up their combined military exercises and refined their nuclear deterrence strategies, involving US military assets. Lee Sung Joon, the spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted the close analysis of North Korea’s weapons development and monitoring of the missile systems’ readiness by both South Korean and US militaries. While acknowledging the need for further assessment to confirm their operational status, Lee indicated that the missiles might have shorter ranges than some of North Korea’s powerful short-range ballistic missiles, which can exceed 600 kilometers.
Kim also unveiled the newly developed Hwasong-11 missile, capable of reaching up to 100 kilometers, encompassing significant areas of South Korea’s capital region. During the ceremony, Kim stressed the need for readiness for prolonged confrontation with the US and advocated for relentless military expansion, attributing his stance to increased military cooperation between the US and its regional allies. Russia’s offer of flood aid to North Korea signifies deepening ties between the two nations, reflecting Kim’s prioritization of relations with countries opposing Washington. This move further solidifies North Korea’s embrace of a “new Cold War” stance, aligning with Putin against the West.
