North Korea Conducts Ballistic Missile Test, Pledges Strengthened Nuclear Arsenal

North Korea Test-Fires Ballistic Missile, Vows Bolstered Nuclear Force

Seoul: North Korea confirmed on Saturday that it had test-fired a tactical ballistic missile, with leader Kim Jong Un vowing to enhance the country’s nuclear force.

Kim personally oversaw the test-launch into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, to evaluate the “accuracy and reliability” of a new autonomous navigation system, according to the government news agency KCNA.

Expressing “great satisfaction” over the test, Kim’s actions have raised concerns in the region. South Korea reported that North Korea had fired multiple suspected short-range ballistic missiles from its eastern Wonsan area into waters off its coast. The missiles traveled approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles).

This latest launch is part of a series of increasingly sophisticated tests by North Korea, including the firing of cruise missiles, tactical rockets, and hypersonic weapons in recent months. The country claims these tests are necessary to upgrade its defenses.

The international community, particularly Seoul and Washington, have accused North Korea of violating UN sanctions by sending arms to Russia, potentially for use in Ukraine. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, criticized Seoul and Washington for their accusations, calling them misleading.

In response to the ongoing tensions, Kim visited a military production facility and emphasized the need to rapidly strengthen the country’s nuclear force. “The enemies would be afraid and dare not to play with fire only when they witness the nuclear combat posture of our state,” KCNA reported Kim as saying.

The launch comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, with North Korea’s actions closely monitored by neighboring countries and allies.