North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported today that leader Kim Jong-un visited a weapons factory mass-producing heavy rocket artillery for the military's key units.
According to KCNA, Kim stated that this rocket artillery model would be the "main offensive means" of the North Korean military, capable of deployment in "strategic strike missions," a term often referring to nuclear weapon attacks.
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A new rocket artillery model at North Korea's weapons factory on 28/12. Photo: KCNA |
A new rocket artillery model at North Korea's weapons factory on 28/12. Photo: KCNA
While North Korean media did not provide specific details about the new rocket artillery, observers believe the North Korean leader implied it could fire rockets equipped with Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warheads.
Kim described this rocket artillery model as a "super powerful weapon system, capable of destroying opponents with surprise attacks, high precision, and devastating power." He noted that they would be deployed in large numbers to conduct concentrated fire attacks if conflict erupts.
Images showed Kim standing next to combat vehicles equipped with 5 launcher tubes, one fewer than the rocket artillery model seen during a parade in Pyongyang in October. The front axle was also moved to a position beneath the cockpit, indicating a complete change in weight distribution.
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Rocket artillery with 6 launcher tubes during a parade in Pyongyang in October. Photo: KCNA |
Rocket artillery with 6 launcher tubes during a parade in Pyongyang in October. Photo: KCNA
Heavy artillery strikes with concentrated firepower are considered North Korea's core strategy if conflict erupts. The RAND Institute in the US published a report in 2020, stating that North Korean artillery could cause 10,000 casualties within one hour if it targeted major South Korean cities like Seoul.
By Pham Giang (Source: KCNA, AFP)
