North Korea has recently displayed its military might by showcasing 250 new tactical ballistic missile launchers near its border with South Korea. The event, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, featured a parade of vehicle-based missile launchers in an elaborate ceremony that included fireworks and cheering spectators.
Kim emphasized that the new missile launchers were built using North Korean technology and marked the first stage of planned missile force construction for the country's military border units. He also reiterated the nation's stance on being prepared for confrontation, particularly in response to perceived threats from the United States.
The display comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula, with North Korea forming a new military partnership with Russia. While the photos of the launchers suggest a significant military presence, experts are uncertain about the operational status of the missiles loaded on the vehicles during the event.
Joseph Dempsey, a defense and military analysis expert, noted that the design of the launchers is associated with a short-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a tactical nuclear warhead. However, the actual number of functional missiles and warheads in North Korea's possession remains unclear.
North Korea's advancements in its weapons capabilities, including its nuclear program, have raised concerns globally. The country's ambition to deploy a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile has prompted responses from the US, South Korea, and Japan, who have increased military cooperation in the region.
Despite past agreements aimed at easing tensions between North and South Korea, recent developments have led to a breakdown in diplomatic relations. Kim's efforts to bolster North Korea's ballistic missile program have further strained the situation, resulting in incidents of cross-border military activity and warning shots fired by South Korea.
