North Korea has delivered 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to its frontline military units, according to state media. At a ceremony in Pyongyang, leader Kim Jong Un urged the continued expansion of the country’s nuclear program, citing U.S. threats as the reason. Concerns are mounting over Kim’s plans to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons near the South Korean border and his authorization for preemptive nuclear strikes if North Korea’s leadership feels threatened.
The new launchers, produced by North Korean munitions factories, are designed to fire “tactical” ballistic missiles capable of carrying lower-yield nuclear warheads. Kim said these launchers would enhance firepower over South Korea and improve the efficiency of tactical nuclear operations. Photos from the event showed rows of missile launchers, large crowds, and fireworks, as North Korea continues to develop mobile short-range weapons intended to outmatch South Korean missile defenses.
Experts believe Kim’s escalating weapons tests are an attempt to pressure the U.S. to recognize North Korea as a nuclear power and end sanctions. Analysts suggest Kim is using the global distraction caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine to accelerate his nuclear ambitions. In response, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan have intensified joint military exercises and strengthened their nuclear deterrence strategies.
South Korea’s military is closely monitoring North Korea’s missile capabilities, although it remains unclear whether the systems showcased at the event are fully operational. The missiles likely have shorter ranges than North Korea’s more advanced ballistic missiles but still pose a significant threat, with some capable of reaching the South Korean capital region, home to nearly half the country’s population.
During the ceremony, Kim called for a long-term confrontation with the U.S., labeling the country as a persistent threat to North Korea’s future generations. He also defended the military expansion despite recent flooding, framing it as a testament to North Korea’s commitment to bolster its defense capabilities under any circumstances.