North Korea announced the successful test of an upgraded 240mm multiple-launch rocket system with greater range and accuracy. The test was conducted on September 22.
The upgraded rockets are equipped with an “autonomous precision guidance system” and can strike targets at distances of up to 100 km along a ballistic trajectory and up to 115 km in a combined mode with gliding. Asia News Network reported this, citing the state-run KCNA news agency.
North Korean military officials said the development of extended-range rockets would significantly change the readiness of firepower along what North Korea calls its “southern border.”
Pak Jong-chon, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, called for the deployment of the most powerful strike assets along the southern border. He also called for accelerating the replacement of North Korea’s long-range strike systems with newer systems.
South Korean professor Yang Moo-jin said the new system represents a significant upgrade over North Korea’s previous 240mm rockets. According to him, the combination of increased range, precision guidance and gliding indicates a shift toward more advanced precision strike weapons.
South Korean military officials said they tracked several projectiles launched by North Korea toward the Yellow Sea on Tuesday. They are currently analyzing the characteristics of the launches.
