North Korea claims to be deploying 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers along its border with South Korea. The move was showcased in a ceremony where North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the transfer of equipment to military commanders and chiefs of staff. According to state media, the launchers were built using North Korean technology.
The display is part of planned construction for North Korea’s military border units, aimed at preparing for potential confrontation with South Korea and the US. In his speech, Kim emphasized that dialogue or confrontation can be a choice, but preparation for confrontation is crucial.
While photos show dozens of green transporter-erector launcher vehicles and trucks equipped with missile launchers, it remains unclear if any of the vehicles had functioning missiles during the ceremony. Experts say the design and terminology are associated with North Korea’s short-range ballistic missile, which can be armed with a tactical nuclear warhead.
North Korea has advanced its weapons capabilities since conducting its first nuclear test over a decade ago. While experts believe North Korea likely has a small stockpile of nuclear warheads, it remains unproven whether they have been miniaturized to fit on a long-range missile.
The tensions between North and South Korea have escalated in recent years, with both sides abandoning a 2018 agreement designed to ease tensions along the border. Kim has since ramped up North Korea’s ballistic missile program, vowing to give Pyongyang a nuclear deterrent like that possessed by Washington. In response, the US and South Korea have stepped up their military cooperation, while Japan has also increased its defenses.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/04/asia/north-korea-new-missile-launchers-border-intl-hnk/index.html