[News Today] Kim Jong-un oversees rocket launcher test

[LEAD]
North Korea says it has test-fired upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launchers under Kim Jong-un's watch.

Kim called the system's strike power "maximized" and vowed to soon unveil next-stage plans to strengthen the regime's nuclear deterrence.

[REPORT]
Two missiles soar into the sky, leaving behind parallel lines.

This is a scene from the test-firing of what North Korea called upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launchers.

In an unusual move, the North disclosed the flight distance down to a decimal point and boasted its precision strike capabilities.

N. Korean Central TV /
The four rocket shells hit a maritime target located 358.5 kilometers away from the launch point.

This means they can reach South Korea's Gyeryongdae military complex, which houses the headquarters of the three branches of the Armed Forces, as well as U.S. military bases in Pyeongtaek and Osan in Gyeonggi-do Province.

After overseeing the launch with his daughter Ju-ae, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed satisfaction, saying that strike power has been maximized across all indicators of the weapons system.

They are said to possess a precision-guided flight system capable of ignoring any external interference.

It appears Kim emphasized improved navigation capabilities that allow the system to strike targets even under GPS jamming conditions.

The shape of the latest launcher appears similar to an upgraded model first unveiled during Kim's on-site inspection of a munitions factory late last year.

It appears to be a move to showcase advances in nuclear-capable weapons.

Kim said he will unveil next-stage plans to strengthen nuclear deterrence at the ninth Congress of the Workers' Party, which is expected to take place next month.

Prof. Lim Eul-chul / Institute for Far Eastern Studies, Kyungnam University
They could build an AI-enabled nuclear force integrated across the overall nuclear command and operation system, showcasing operational deployment capabilities of both strategic and tactical nuclear weapons, unlike in the past.

The ballistic missile launch came as U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, known as President Donald Trump's security strategist, was visiting South Korea.

It is viewed as a move to consolidate internal unity and demonstrate external presence ahead of the party congress.

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