North Korean president guides tactical missile test with “autonomous navigation”

North Korea tested a tactical ballistic missile system off its east coast with an “autonomous navigation system” on May 17, party daily Rodong Sinmun reported.

This follows a report from the South Korean military that it detected several “flying objects presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles” traveling 186 miles (300 kilometers) from the Wonsan area, NK News reports.

Leader Kim Jong Un was on hand to verify “the accuracy and reliability of the autonomous navigation system,” the Rodong article stated, while also describing the launch as part of “regular activities of the DPRK Missile Administration and its affiliated defense science institutes for the rapid technological development of weapon systems.”

Kim reportedly expressed “great satisfaction over the military strategic value” of the test and the successful integration of the autonomous navigation system.

State media released photos of the launch, but did not specify the number of missiles fired or the duration of their flight.

Munitions factory visit

On May 18, the Rodong Sinmun also reported that Kim Jong Un recently visited a defence industrial complex on an unspecified date to inspect on-site weaponry.

The North Korean leader, according to the Rodong report on May 18, asserted that nuclear deterrence, which may seem intangible to enemies, must be demonstrated strongly to deter them from aggression, emphasizing the critical role of nuclear weapons.

“We cannot but more strictly acknowledge the necessity of bolstering nuclear war deterrent to cope with the security environment of the country created due to the enemies’ reckless military confrontation moves, which have become more undisguised and desperately developed recently,” Kim was quoted as saying.

”Enemies would be afraid of and dare not to play with fire only when they witness the nuclear combat posture of our state which is hard for them to feel actually,” Kim reportedly added.

He also expressed satisfaction with the first half of 2024’s weapons production results at the munitions factory and was optimistic about meeting this year’s production targets, noting significant progress and updates to the weapons, though specific details were not provided.