North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected production of a new 155-mm self-propelled howitzer KCNA says can exceed 60 km (37 miles), and said it will be deployed along the border to strengthen Pyongyang's ability to strike Seoul. Analysts warn that a system with this range could put large parts of the Seoul metropolitan area within reach of artillery based near the Demilitarized Zone. Observers also note that arms transfers to Russia during the Ukraine war may have provided battlefield data to speed North Korea's weapons refinements.
Kim Inspects New 155mm Howitzer With 60 km Range That Could Reach Seoul
FILE PHOTO: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the expanded meeting of the first plenary meeting of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea, February 23, 2026, in this picture released February 24, 2026, by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS/File Photo
SEOUL, May 8 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the production line for a newly developed 155-mm self-propelled howitzer that state media KCNA said can exceed a range of 60 km (37 miles). KCNA reported the system is intended for deployment along the border with South Korea to strengthen Pyongyang's ability to strike Seoul and other targets.
Kim told state media the extended reach of the system 'will provide a great change and advantage in the land operations of our army,' highlighting the artillery's expected tactical role in ground operations. South Korean officials and independent analysts say an artillery system with this range could put large parts of the Seoul metropolitan area within reach if emplaced close to the Demilitarized Zone.
For decades, North Korea has pursued strategic weapons programs, including long-range ballistic missiles that could carry nuclear warheads and potentially reach the U.S. mainland. In recent years Pyongyang has also expanded its conventional forces and munitions stockpiles.
South Korean officials and outside experts add that reported transfers of missiles and artillery to Russia during the Ukraine war have supplied Pyongyang with battlefield data that may inform its own weapons development and operational tactics.
KCNA also said Kim oversaw manoeuvrability trials for one of two modern destroyers currently being tested for deployment and has ordered construction of two additional destroyers to expand the navy.
(Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
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