North Korea's Kim Jong Un deploys 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers amid tensions with US

North Korea recently delivered 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to its frontline military units at a ceremony where leader Kim Jong Un called for continuous expansion of the military’s nuclear capabilities to counter perceived US threats, as reported by state media on Monday.

Kim’s growing focus on nuclear weapons aims to strengthen his military’s capacity along the border with South Korea, with preemptive nuclear strikes authorised if leadership feels threatened.  These launchers produced by North Korea’s munitions factories, are designed for “tactical” ballistic missiles, suitable for lower-yield nuclear weapons, the Korean Central News Agency confirmed.

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During the event in Pyongyang, Kim emphasised the launchers would provide his units with “overwhelming” firepower over South Korea and improve the practicality and efficiency of tactical nuclear weapons. State media images showed the ceremony featuring army-green launcher trucks and a large crowd, including fireworks.

North Korea’s expansion of short-range mobile weapons aims to challenge South Korea’s missile defenses while also developing intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland. Kim’s recent weapons tests and threats are seen as an effort to pressure the US to acknowledge North Korea as a nuclear power and lift sanctions.

Using Russia’s war in Ukraine as a cover, Kim has speed up weapons development. In response, the US, South Korea, and Japan have intensified combined military exercises and refined their nuclear deterrence strategies involving US military assets.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Lee Sung Joon, stated that the South Korean and US militaries are closely analysing North Korea’s weapons development and monitoring the missile systems’ readiness, noting further assessment is needed to confirm their operational status. Lee mentioned the missiles might have shorter ranges than some of North Korea’s potent short-range ballistic missiles, which can exceed 600 kilometers.

Kim also referenced the newly revealed Hwasong-11 missile, capable of reaching up to 100 kilometers, covering significant areas of South Korea’s capital region. At the event, Kim called for readiness for prolonged confrontation with the U.S. and advocated for relentless military expansion, citing increased military cooperation between the U.S. and its regional allies.

Russia’s offer of flood aid to North Korea signifies deepening ties between the two nations, with Kim prioritising relations with countries opposing Washington, embracing a “new Cold War” stance and aligning with Putin against the West.