The moment North Korea launches a new ballistic missile (Al Jazeera)
North Korea announced Monday that it has developed a new multiple-rocket launcher system that will lead to a "qualitative change" in its defense capabilities.
North Korea's official news agency reported that Pyongyang's Academy of Defense Sciences carried out a "ballistic missile launch control test for a rocket launcher with 240-millimeter shells" last Saturday, in order to develop "a controllable ballistic missile and missile system."
The agency added that the new missile launcher will now be "re-evaluated" and its role on the battlefield will be increased.
This year, North Korea declared its southern neighbor its "number one enemy," closing agencies dedicated to reunifying the two countries and threatening to declare war if South Korea crossed the border into its territory.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reiterated on Friday that Pyongyang would not hesitate to "put an end" to South Korea if it was attacked, describing Seoul as North Korea's "first and most dangerous enemy state."
In January, North Korea fired a barrage of artillery shells near two South Korean border islands, prompting the South to launch live fire training and issue evacuation orders for residents.
On the other hand, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yul pledged to respond forcefully to any attack from Pyongyang, calling on his army to “move first and report later” if provoked.
Yoon has strengthened defense cooperation between his country, the United States and Japan since coming to power in 2022, including expanding joint exercises to confront Pyongyang's growing threats.
Source: French