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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un beamed as he clapped with military officials as he watched the test of a new weapon. Photo/dailyrecordnews
KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un observed firsthand what he called a successful weapons launch. The news agency released photos showing Kim beaming clapping with North Korean military officers.
“The weapons tested are of great significance in drastically increasing the firepower of front-line long-range artillery units, increasing efficiency in (North Korea’s) tactical nuclear operations and diversifying their firepower missions,” KCNA reported as quoted by Reuters. APSunday (17/4/2022).
KCNA did not elaborate, but its use of the words “tactical nuclear” suggests the weapon is likely capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to the battlefield that could hit strategic targets in South Korea, including US military installations. The KCNA report did not say when and where the launch took place.
Some observers say the weapon shown in recent North Korean photos suggests it may be a smaller, lighter version of the KN-23 missile. This missile has a nuclear capability that is capable of maneuvering while flying with the aim of defeating air defense systems.
Another expert said the missile could be a new missile combining the technical characteristics of the KN-23 and another short-range ballistic missile called the KN-24.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement on Sunday that they had detected two projectile launches from the east coast city of Hamhung on Saturday morning.
Read also: Jong-un Reportedly Attended North Korea’s New Type of Tactical Weapon Test
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