North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-launch of 12 powerful 600mm multiple rocket launchers on Saturday, state news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, in a move that comes as the United States and South Korea conduct their annual large-scale military exercises.
According to KCNA, the weapons test was designed to demonstrate the country’s ability to strike targets within a 420-kilometer range. Kim said the drill would make “enemies within the striking range uneasy” and highlight the destructive power of the country’s tactical nuclear capabilities.
Images released by KCNA showed Kim observing the launch alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is widely viewed by analysts as a potential successor.
KCNA said the rockets struck an island target in the East Sea of Korea about 364.4 kilometers away with what it described as “100 percent accuracy.”
Meanwhile, South Korea’s military said North Korea fired more than 10 ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast. The launches reportedly took place near the capital Pyongyang around 1:20 p.m. local time, with the missiles traveling roughly 350 kilometers.
The tests came days after major joint military exercises began between Washington and Seoul. North Korea has long condemned the drills as hostile, while the United States and South Korea insist they are defensive and intended to strengthen readiness against potential threats from the North.
Last week, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, criticized the exercises, calling them a “provocative and aggressive war rehearsal” that could undermine regional stability.
North Korea said on Sunday that it plans to carry out such drills regularly to maintain what it calls the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s war deterrence.
For more than two decades, North Korea has conducted numerous tests of ballistic and cruise missiles as part of efforts to develop systems capable of delivering nuclear weapons. As a result, the country has faced multiple sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council since 2006.
Despite those sanctions, Pyongyang has continued its weapons development program.
In a related diplomatic effort, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday to discuss ways to reopen dialogue with North Korea. According to South Korean officials, Trump remains interested in holding talks with Kim Jong Un if an opportunity arises.