North Korea tests weapons as Seoul plans drone force
Kim Jong Un oversaw tests of missiles, rockets and artillery while South Korea said it will train 500,000 drone operators.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
North Korea has tested several weapons systems as Kim Jong Un pushes to expand the country’s strike capacity near the border with South Korea, according to state media and news agencies. South Korea said Friday it is increasing its own drone forces, a sign of how both sides are sharpening military plans amid high tension.
KCNA, North Korea’s state news agency, said Kim watched the tests on Thursday and urged the military to adopt what it called a “deadly and destructive offensive posture.” The agency said Kim demanded that North Korea’s opponents feel “constant uneasiness and fear” as part of the country’s deterrence strategy.
Weapons tested near the South
The tests included a “special mission” ballistic missile warhead, an upgraded multiple rocket launcher with longer range, and a self-propelled gun-howitzer, the AP news agency reported. KCNA said the ballistic missile warhead was designed to cause severe damage to targets including airfields, ports and power facilities.
Kim said North Korea is seeking longer-range and more accurate weapons, according to KCNA. He also said the results showed progress in Pyongyang’s ability to fire from areas along its southern border.
Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said the upgrades appear intended to give North Korea the ability to hit targets across South Korea. The United States keeps several bases in South Korea, where about 28,500 US military personnel are stationed.
Pyongyang has accelerated weapons development since nuclear talks with Washington broke down in 2019. Kim has responded to US efforts to revive diplomacy by saying Washington must drop its demand that North Korea give up its nuclear weapons.
Earlier this week, Kim said North Korea’s navy would be equipped with nuclear weapons and larger warships, according to state media. He said that step would prepare the country for more varied and effective operations.
Seoul expands drone plans
South Korea’s Ministry of National Defence said Friday it plans to increase the number and range of its drones in response to North Korea’s growing military threat. Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back said the military aims to train 500,000 “drone warriors” who can use drones like “personal firearms.”
Ahn said South Korea needs to respond quickly to changing military conditions, citing what he described as technological support that Pyongyang is receiving from Russia. The ministry did not provide further details in the reported remarks.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has also sought stronger attention from Washington on the North Korean threat. Last week, Lee said US President Donald Trump told him that “the time had come to pay attention to the North Korea issue.”
Lee also announced plans to develop five defence firms worth $650m by 2030, according to Al Jazeera. The announcement comes as Seoul looks to expand domestic military capabilities while pressing for continued US support.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.