North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen major weapons tests, calling for an enhanced "deadly and destructive offensive posture" for the military, state media reported Friday. The announcement coincided with South Korea's revelation of plans to significantly boost its drone warfare capabilities.
Tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, with Kim prioritizing the strengthening of both nuclear and conventional military assets. North Korea has refused to re-engage in dialogue with South Korea or the United States.
According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the tests observed by Kim on Thursday involved evaluating a "special mission" warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, an upgraded multiple rocket launch system, and the accuracy of shells from a self-propelled gun-howitzer with an extended firing range. KCNA stated that the test results demonstrated technological advancements aimed at altering the fire posture in southern border areas, suggesting the tested systems are intended for targets in South Korea, including U.S. military installations.
Kim emphasized that North Korea's self-defense policy includes the objective of developing a "deadly and destructive offensive posture to make no enemy dare to confront." He added, "To make the enemies feel constant uneasiness and fear is just an important aspect of the exercise of war deterrent."
KCNA further reported that the tested special mission warhead is designed to "inflict fatal damage on major targets including airfields, ports and power facilities of the enemy."
In response to perceived threats from North Korea, which South Korea alleges is receiving technological assistance from Russia, the South Korean Defense Ministry unveiled its plans to enhance its drone forces. These plans include the development of long-range, exploding drones, the acquisition of over 20,000 low-cost reconnaissance and attack drones, and the training of all 500,000 South Korean troops as "drone warriors."
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated that "North Korea is also currently receiving technology transfers from Russia, so there’s an urgent need for us to respond proactively to the changing nature of warfare and the evolving operational environment." He highlighted the increasing importance of low-cost, loitering munitions like drones in modern warfare, citing their use in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea has been intensifying its focus on expanding its nuclear and missile arsenals since the collapse of high-stakes diplomacy with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. Kim has also stressed the importance of developing sophisticated conventional weapons. This comes after North Korea commissioned its most advanced warship, the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, on Tuesday, which Kim presented as a symbol of the country's growing naval and nuclear capabilities.
Kim has adopted a more confrontational stance towards South Korea, labeling it the country's "principal enemy" and fortifying military structures along the heavily fortified border. He has also deepened ties with Russia, supporting its war in Ukraine, and recently hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in Pyongyang for the first time in seven years.