North Korea continues to modernize its long-range offensive weapons, viewing them as one of the key elements in demonstrating its war deterrence capabilities. This was stated by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whose remarks were reported by the Korean Central News Agency.

According to him, an important part of such a demonstration is constantly creating anxiety and fear among the country’s enemies. Kim Jong Un made it clear that, in the near future, North Korea’s enemies should realize that the long-range strike assets of its armed forces are being fully replaced with upgraded models.

The North Korean leader stressed that the party’s course is not limited to simply strengthening defensive capabilities through protective means. In his assessment, the focus is on building up lethal and destructive offensive readiness, which should deprive opponents of the resolve to wage war against North Korea.

Kim Jong Un linked this policy to the current international situation. He noted that, under present conditions, state power and the country’s very existence can be protected only through a consistent superiority in force. According to him, this confirms the need to further strengthen North Korea’s defense capabilities.

The North Korean leader paid particular attention to the development of the artillery and missile forces of the ground troops. He outlined new tasks under the five-year plan aimed at upgrading the relevant weapons.

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un attended weapons tests conducted by defense institutes as part of the modernization program for artillery and missile forces. The North Korean leader was satisfied with the results of the tests.

During the inspection, the combat characteristics of an upgraded 240mm multiple launch rocket system with 24 launch tubes were assessed, along with the power of a special-purpose warhead for a tactical ballistic missile and the accuracy of an extended-range projectile for a 155mm self-propelled gun-howitzer.