North Korea reported that Kim Jong Un supervised a test firing of an upgraded large-caliber multiple-rocket system, with state media saying four rockets hit a sea target about 223 miles (360 km) away. KCNA cited improvements in guided flight, accuracy and launch-vehicle mobility. The test comes after a Jan. 4 hypersonic launch and ahead of the ruling Workers' Party's Ninth Congress, where Pyongyang may outline security and economic plans. Analysts warn the enhanced rocket artillery increases the conventional threat to South Korea.
Kim Jong Un Oversees Test of Upgraded Large-Caliber Rocket System, North Korea Says
North Korea test-fired a large-caliber multiple-rocket launcher system on Jan. 27, state media reported Wednesday. Photo by KCNA/EPA
SEOUL, Jan. 28 (UPI) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firing of an upgraded large-caliber multiple-rocket system, state-run media reported Wednesday.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim described the trial as having "great significance in improving the effectiveness of our strategic deterrent." He said the system had been technically upgraded to make maximum use of its capabilities and to enable its application in "specific attacks."
Technical Improvements and Claims
KCNA quoted Kim as highlighting enhancements to the system's self-steered guided flight capability, improved rocket guidance and striking accuracy, and the "perfect" mobility of a modernized launch vehicle. The agency said four rockets were fired and struck a target at sea about 223 miles (roughly 360 km) away.
This test follows an earlier January 4 launch that Pyongyang described as involving hypersonic weapons, marking the second major weapons test from the country this year.
Context and International Responses
The launch took place ahead of the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, expected to convene in the coming weeks. KCNA said the congress would "clarify the next-stage plans for further bolstering up the country's nuclear war deterrent." Analysts view the gathering as an opportunity for North Korea's leadership to review domestic policy, announce economic plans and signal potential shifts in military and foreign policy.
South Korea's military reported it detected multiple short-range ballistic missile launches from an area north of Pyongyang into the sea between Korea and Japan on the same day.
North Korea did not provide detailed technical specifications of the system. International observers note that Pyongyang has tested a 600mm multiple-rocket launcher on several occasions (most recently in May), a system Washington and Seoul often refer to as the KN-25 and categorize as a short-range ballistic missile. Since October 2022, North Korea has publicly claimed the platform could be fitted with a tactical nuclear warhead.
Analyst Perspectives
Analysts warn that North Korea's expanding long-range rocket artillery — and improvements in guidance and mobility — are increasing the conventional threat to South Korea, where large portions of the population and key military infrastructure lie within range of such systems.
Note: Details provided by KCNA reflect North Korea's official claims; independent verification of technical performance and warhead capability is limited.
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