Kim Jong Un drives new large-caliber MLRS, hails system as key to deterrence

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un personally drove a vehicle of a newly developed large-caliber multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).

The combat system was presented by defence industry workers to the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, Caliber.Az reports, citing North Korean media.

Kim described the 600-millimetre MLRS as truly proud weaponry, capable of fulfilling the country’s strategic objectives to strengthen its deterrence capabilities.

He hailed the Party Congress for achieving significant progress at a critical moment, emphasising the effectiveness of advanced high-impact weapon systems and reaffirming the WPK’s determination to strengthen national defence capabilities. 

Kim added that national security depends on a firm stance toward adversaries, continued military modernisation, and an offensive response strategy, expressing confidence that the munitions industry will deliver further achievements in line with the party’s strategic goals.

In late December, Kim had already reviewed production of the multi-barrel artillery systems, which are set to be deployed with the North Korean army.

The North Korean leader further stressed the need to achieve a breakthrough in improving weapon systems in order to modernise and expand long-range artillery capabilities.

By Jeyhun Aghazada