On the 25th of this month, North Korea held a military parade and released the video the next day (26th).
"Our core is not tied to just one mission, war prevention. If we want to deprive our country of its fundamental interests, we have to carry out a second mission," said Kim Jung-eun. He stated that he was willing to use nuclear weapons not only as a deterrent but also in actual warfare, including first strike.
Why is North Korea even more tough now?
I will explain in detail.
(International Department, Youhei Suzuki)
Broadcast a military parade for 2 hours and 19 minutes
On the night of April 25, North Korea held a military parade to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army.
North Korea's state-run Korean Central Television broadcast the video from 8:00 pm the next day (26th) for 2 hours and 19 minutes.
Kim Il Sung Square in the center of the capital Pyongyang is lit up, and while the members who skydive from the sky descend while holding a big national flag, Kim Jung Eun in white military uniform called "Marshal's clothes" The clerk has appeared.
Reason for "Marshal clothes"
Kim has previously published a photo of his "Marshal's clothes", but Korean media has pointed out that it is the first time he has actually appeared in public.
Ryo Yamaguchi, Assistant Professor, Advanced Science and Technology Research Center, University of Tokyo, who is familiar with security issues in East Asia, said, "I'm sure Kim Il Sung is wearing white military uniform instead of the usual suit and leather jumper. In particular, the 110th anniversary of President Kim Il Sung's birth, the 10th anniversary of Kim's becoming an official leader, and the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army coincide. Therefore, it was an important opportunity for Kim to show his achievements as a leader of the party, military, and nation. He emphasized Kim Il Sung, who is the national identity for the country, and modernized North Korea. It is directing that it was General Secretary Kim who made me do it. "
Also mentions nuclear first strike
Kim, who gave the speech, said, "We will take measures to further strengthen and develop Japan's nuclear weapons at maximum speed," emphasizing the stance of accelerating nuclear and missile development.
"Our nuclear weapons are not tied to just one mission, war prevention. If we want to deprive our country of its fundamental interests, we have to carry out our second mission," he said. Not only as a result, but also showed a willingness to use it in actual battles including first strike.
Will it oppose the new South Korean government that will soon be born?
Regarding this, Assistant Professor Yamaguchi points out that there is an aim to counter the new administration of South Korea, which will be born on May 10.
(Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Ryo Yamaguchi, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo)
"Being ready to use as well as deterrence seems to mean that North Korea will use a wide range of nuclear weapons. The secretary is quite confident in his country's military power. The conservative South Korean president, Yun Seo-gyeol, who will be born after the change of government, is very tough against North Korea, so he has a message to counter it. There is "
Proceed with the development of "tactical nuclear weapons"
North Korea announced on April 17 that it had succeeded in launching a "new tactical guided weapon," and stated that it "has great significance in strengthening the effectiveness of tactical nuclear operations."
"Tactical nuclear weapons" are mainly intended for use on the battlefield, and are intended for local attacks with short-range ballistic missiles, etc., and Assistant Professor Yamaguchi "seems to be targeting South Korea. In the event of an emergency, it will be easier to use nuclear weapons in various situations. North Korea is steadily promoting the development of various missiles according to the target and situation, and it can be said that the threat is further increasing. " bottom.
While the eyes of the world are on Ukraine
In addition, Assistant Professor Yamaguchi believes that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is definitely influencing North Korea's military developments.
(Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Ryo Yamaguchi, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo)
"Russia is also becoming isolated, so I think it is a great opportunity to deepen relations with China and Russia, asking if we should get along with those who are isolated. I think that we should do provocative things such as missile tests and nuclear tests in the meantime, and it seems that the international community's economic sanctions, diplomacy, and security measures will be limited. In particular, I think that the blame from China and Russia will be relatively lighter, and I think we should do it now that the eyes of the world are facing Russia and Ukraine. Directly and indirectly. I think the situation in Ukraine is influential. "
An array of weapons
On the other hand, many weapons appeared in the military parade.
ICBM = Intercontinental ballistic missile-class "Mars 17" and "Mars 15", and hypersonic missile "Mars 8" are now available.
In addition, the SLBM = submarine-launched ballistic missile, which seems to be a new model, has also been released, and Korean media has pointed out that the warhead is larger than the SLBM marked "Puksong-5" that appeared in the military parade in January last year. ..
Regarding this SLBM, Assistant Professor Yamaguchi points out that "the larger the size, the larger the loading capacity, the more nuclear warheads can be mounted and fired, and the longer the flight distance."
Will a nuclear test be conducted soon?
Regarding the possibility that North Korea will carry out a new nuclear test, "We will bring the nuclear weapons mentioned this time and the weapons that have appeared to the point where they can be used in actual battles. I think there is a possibility. What is important is whether the test is a strategic nuclear targeting a major military base or a tactical nuclear targeting an opponent's unit on the battlefield. It means an experiment with it in mind, and it means that we are steadily developing a tactical nuclear weapon. "