In a move that has significantly heightened tensions in Asia, North Korea announced the deployment of 250 new ballistic missile launchers on its southern border. These launchers, according to North Korea, can be used to carry out nuclear strikes on South Korea and United States military bases in the region.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea’s official media outlet, described the launchers as modern tactical attack weapons personally designed by leader Kim Jong Un. Kim oversaw the delivery of the 250 ballistic missile launchers to front-line troops during a Sunday event. Images released by KCNA showed Kim participating in the ceremony, with rows of mobile launchers displayed prominently.
Kim Jong Un cited the changing global security environment as the impetus for the deployment. “The rapidly changing global security environment and the indiscriminate expansion of US-led military blocs lead us to the conclusion that we need to more thoroughly and fully have our national nuclear capabilities and nuclear posture ready,” he said according to KCNA.
Bloomberg reports suggest the launchers are capable of holding four missiles each, likely the Hwasong 11D. This short-range ballistic missile has an approximate range of 62 miles (100 km) to 186 miles (300 km). However, it remains unclear if North Korea possesses 1,000 missiles for these launchers.
Experts believe this deployment threatens the defense capabilities of the South Korean armed forces. This aggressive step follows North Korea’s cessation of sending trash-carrying balloons over its southern neighbor, which had previously caused significant issues.
Kim said that developing more nuclear bombs was the only way to fend off threats from their adversaries. He made this announcement during the occasion. North Korea has been busily working on developing and testing new ballistic missiles and technology recently. Although South Korea voiced doubts about the test’s viability, the nation recently claimed to have successfully launched a new tactical ballistic missile with a “super-large warhead.”
North Korea’s missile tests have been routine, and the administration appears committed to expanding its weapons arsenal. Additionally, North Korea has openly aligned with Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine, signaling its geopolitical stance.
