Pyongyang [North Korea], August 6: At an event held on the evening of August 4 in the capital Pyongyang, leader Kim Jong-un called it the most modern tactical offensive weapon of the Korean People's Army (KPA) at this time. Based on images from KCNA, each launcher is designed to load four missiles at the same time.
In his speech, Chairman Kim said North Korea is facing "a crucial and strategic transition period as the ROK-US alliance transforms into a nuclear-based military bloc." The change in the ROK-US military relationship forces North Korea to upgrade its deterrence strategy. "We need to continue to strengthen our armed forces," the leader stressed.
The event also marks the first time Pyongyang has publicly disclosed the scale of a weapons transfer to its border guards, according to AFP, citing Han Kwon-hee, an expert at the Seoul-based Korea Defense Technology Research Association. Last month, North Korea announced the test of a new tactical ballistic missile, and it is unclear whether the missile launchers transferred are the type that was tested.
Chairman Kim noted that unveiling new weapons at a time when the country has been hit by floods is proof of the DPRK's unwavering will to bolster its defense capabilities. The leader also said that Pyongyang will strengthen its nuclear readiness and defend itself against any external threats. He further emphasized the need to stockpile and improve nuclear weapons as this is the best way to cope with threats and pressure from the United States.
Professor Koh Yu-hwan of Dongguk University (South Korea) commented that the above move of North Korea is also intended to send a warning message to South Korea and the US. "South Korea and the US
are preparing to hold a large military exercise in August (Ulchi Freedom Shield), the above statements are North Korea's response to such exercises," Reuters quoted Mr. Koh yesterday.
According to Yonhap, spokesman Lee Sung-joon of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that "the new missile line is used in various ways, such as attacking or threatening South Korea." Mr. Lee also noted that the missile's range is likely not far.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper