North Korea claims successful test of new combat weapon system

North Korea has tested a new combat weapon system that analysts say could extend its strike range deeper into South Korea and add precision-guided munitions to its conventional arsenal. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the tests included an upgraded 240mm multiple rocket launcher with 24 tubes, a special-mission warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, and an extended-range 155mm artillery shell with a range of 65 kilometers, NK Insider reported. Kim described the event as proof of "a major technological advance achieved in realizing the three principles of automation, long-range capability, and ultra-precision," according to the outlet.

The 240mm launcher, mounted on a wheeled vehicle, has a stated range of 90 kilometers, which NK Insider noted would allow it to strike targets in the northern Seoul metropolitan area if deployed near the border. The weapon's "autonomous precision guidance system" suggests it fires guided rockets rather than unguided area saturation munitions, the report added. KCNA said the special-mission warhead is designed to destroy "enemy airfields, ports, and power facilities," according to NK Insider.

Analysts cited by the outlet said the warhead could be a high-explosive device or have a dual nuclear-conventional role, though this has not been confirmed. The 155mm artillery shell is notable because that caliber is used by South Korea's K9 self-propelled howitzer and NATO-standard systems, NK Insider reported. The outlet said this suggests North Korea is seeking to match the long-range capability of South Korea's artillery rather than simply copying Russian equipment.

South Korea's defense ministry said on Friday that it plans to train 500,000 "drone warriors" who will use drones like "personal firearms," according to Al Jazeera. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said there was an urgent need to respond to the evolving threat, noting that Pyongyang was receiving technological assistance from Russia. Last week, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said President Donald Trump had told him that "the time had come to pay attention to the North Korea issue," Al Jazeera reported.

Kim has previously called for turning the border into an "impregnable fortress" and has declared South Korea his country's "most hostile enemy," according to NBC News. In April, it tested a cluster-bomb warhead and an electromagnetic weapon, according to U.S. News. South Korea's military has not commented on the specific claims, and the exact capabilities of the new system remain unconfirmed.

The tests come amid heightened tensions on the peninsula. North Korea has conducted a series of weapons tests this year.