North Korea has vowed to “deter threats” after testing suicide attack drones, tactical cruise missiles and multiple rocket launchers, state media reported on Friday.
The display of military capabilities came as South Korea and Japan reported on Thursday that North Korea had fired ballistic missiles. South Korea said the North launched around 10 missiles in its first ballistic missile test since October 12.
North Korea’s state-run KCNA said on Friday that leader Kim Jong-un attended an exhibition titled “Unmanned Aeronautical Technology Development-2026” in Pyongyang, where the capabilities and firepower of various drones and major weapon systems were showcased.
“Tactical suicide attack drones, air-to-surface missiles from multi-purpose drones and cruise missiles hit the islet target with 100 percent accuracy,” the report said.
“The 600mm-caliber ultra-precision multiple rocket launcher, which is called ‘sniper,’ opened fire before the public for the first time,” it added.
Kim called for “absolute superiority” in drone technology, saying it was “an indispensable option in light of the ever-changing patterns of modern warfare”.
Separately, North Korea’s defence ministry criticised joint air drills between South Korea and the United States.
“The frequent military moves of the enemy states at the doorstep” of North Korea “are increasing the danger of inviting an unexpected armed conflict that will result in catastrophic consequences,” the ministry warned.
It added that the “most obvious confrontational intention is bound to invite the most obvious will to respond to it”.
“Our armed forces will thoroughly deter threats with force and only act in such manner that the enemy states can understand,” the ministry said.
