North Korea Tests New Missile Warhead and Rocket Systems; South Korea Plans Major Drone Expansion

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed tests of a special-mission warhead for a tactical ballistic missile, an upgraded multiple rocket launcher, and extended-range shells from a self-propelled gun-howitzer on Thursday. He directed the military to strengthen its offensive capabilities, state media reported Friday.

The tests showed progress toward changing the fire posture along the southern border, with the warhead designed to hit airfields, ports, and power facilities.

Kim stated that the policy aims to make enemies feel constant uneasiness and fear as part of the exercise of war deterrent. South Korea’s Defense Ministry announced plans the next day to expand drone capabilities. The measures include developing long-range exploding drones, purchasing more than 20,000 low-cost reconnaissance and attack drones, and training the country’s entire 500,000 active-duty troops as drone operators.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said low-cost loitering munitions have become essential in modern warfare, citing their use in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Troops will be trained to operate drones as easily as personal firearms. Earlier this week North Korea commissioned its most advanced warship, the 5,000-ton destroyer Choe Hyon, at Nampho port after 14 months of testing.

Officials received orders to build two such vessels annually for the next five years. Kim has refused to resume talks with South Korea and the United States unless the demand for denuclearization is dropped. North Korea has continued expanding both its nuclear and conventional forces since high-level diplomacy with the United States ended in 2019.