North Korea has conducted combined weapons tests including tactical ballistic missiles, long-range rocket artillery and precision cruise missiles under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, according to information released by the state news agency KCNA on May 27.
According to KCNA, the tests were conducted to assess the power of the "special mission warhead" for tactical ballistic missiles, check the reliability of long-range multiple launch rocket systems and verify the accuracy of tactical cruise missiles controlled by artificial intelligence (AI).
North Korea said that weapon systems and automatic launchers have been successfully upgraded to suit modern warfare conditions, while enhancing combat application capabilities. KCNA quoted North Korean President Kim Jong Un as saying that the upgrade programs have significantly improved the combat effectiveness of the country's armed forces.
One of the contents emphasized in the test is the combat readiness of cruise missiles deployed at artillery units near the border with South Korea. These systems are equipped with precision guidance technology and AI control mechanisms, capable of attacking targets at a distance of 100 km.
This distance puts South Korea's capital Seoul within direct range from the demilitarized zone dividing the two Koreas. Seoul is a densely populated area and is not far from the military border between the two countries.
In recent years, North Korea has continuously promoted the development of tactical and conventional weapons stockpiles, in parallel with its long-range ballistic missile program and nuclear capabilities.
After making many progress in developing intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear technology, North Korea has shifted its focus to modernizing weapons serving the regional battlefield. Pyongyang has announced that it will deploy these systems near the border with South Korea to strengthen deterrence and rapid response capabilities.
KCNA said that these tests are designed to simulate a modern combat environment, in which automation and smart control technology play a central role. AI systems are integrated into tactical cruise missiles to improve accuracy when attacking targets.
