North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported on 26/5 that its Missile Industry Department and Academy of Defense Sciences conducted tests of a "new-generation light multi-purpose launcher and multi-purpose tactical cruise missiles". North Korean leader Kim Jong-un directly oversaw the operation.

North Korean cruise missile leaves its launcher during the 26/5 test. Photo: KCNA

The test aimed to assess the power of specialized warheads on tactical ballistic missiles, the reliability of extended-range 240 mm caliber rockets equipped with an autonomous guidance system, and the accuracy of tactical cruise missiles guided by AI technology.

KCNA stated that the cruise missile can accurately hit targets within a 100 km range, utilizing an automatic guidance system with terrain contour matching (TERCOM) technology and AI-powered terminal phase correction.

Published images showed projectiles leaving the multi-purpose launcher, with the cruise missiles and 240 mm rocket warheads blurred for security reasons.

North Korean multi-purpose launcher fires rockets during the 26/5 test. Photo: KCNA

Kim Jong-un highly praised the test results, stating that the new tactical cruise missiles would be supplied to long-range artillery brigades stationed in the inter-Korean border area.

Kim Jong-un emphasized, "The current priority in building our armed forces is to make our artillery the most modern and powerful, unmatched by anyone. An essential condition for military operations is having sufficient offensive power to ensure the enemy cannot survive, unless by sheer luck."

North Korean tactical ballistic missile leaves its launcher during the 26/5 test. Photo: KCNA.

South Korea's military reported on 26/5 that North Korea launched several projectiles, including ballistic missiles, all flying approximately 80 km towards the sea off the peninsula's west coast. This marks North Korea's 8th test launch this year, occurring over a month after its last activity.

North Korea conducted tests of various weapons from 6-8/4, including the Hwasong-11Ka tactical ballistic missile equipped with cluster warheads. KCNA reported that this missile is capable of destroying all targets within an area of 65,000-70,000 square meters.

By Nguyen Tien (According to KCNA, AP, AFP)