IRIA News

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North Korea conducted the performance test of a new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher on September 13, 2024. The test coincided with the release of first-ever images of the country’s uranium enrichment facility, showcasing leader Kim Jong Un as he toured the site.

The announcement comes as the reclusive nation continues its aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapons, despite mounting international sanctions and diplomatic objections.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the performance of the new-type 600mm Multiple Rocket Launcher, as the country’s armed forces conducted the weapon test.

According to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), “The test was conducted, aiming at verifying the combat effectiveness of the launcher whose driving system has been further developed and [the] whole process of firing has fully been automated.”

During the test, multiple rocket launcher shells were fired and hit targets on an island in the East Sea. Kim Jong Un appreciated the “superiority of the newly-developed launcher in terms of maneuverability and efficiency as compared to the existing ones,” the statement added.

North Korea’s defense industrial enterprise under the Second Economy Commission developed and produced the new-type 600mm multiple rocket launcher. The latest performance test showcased the improved capabilities of the system supporting the army’s operational needs.

Kim Jong Un visit uranium enrichment facility

KCNA reported that Kim visited the Nuclear Weapons Institute and an undisclosed “production base of weapon-grade nuclear materials.” This is the first time North Korea has publicly disclosed such a facility since its inaugural nuclear test in 2006, shedding light on the nation’s uranium enrichment capabilities.

Photographs of Kim’s visit depict him walking among long rows of centrifuges, which are essential for producing highly enriched uranium—a critical component for manufacturing nuclear warheads. KCNA, however, did not specify the date of the visit, nor did it disclose the facility’s exact location. North Korea is widely believed to operate several such facilities, with the Yongbyon nuclear site being one of the most well-known.

During the visit, Kim reportedly emphasized the need to “further augment the number of centrifuges to exponentially increase the nuclear weapons for self-defense.” This statement underscores North Korea’s commitment to expanding its nuclear arsenal despite international opposition.

For years, North Korea has managed to develop its nuclear program under the radar, with little information made available to the outside world. The sudden decision to reveal this facility indicates that Pyongyang may be sending a clear message to the international community, particularly its adversaries.

International reaction to North Korea’s revelation

South Korea has been quick to condemn North Korea’s revelation, describing the uranium enrichment facility as “a clear violation of a number of UN Security Council resolutions.” Seoul has long been vocal about the threats posed by North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities, particularly given the proximity of the two nations and their fraught history.

Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride, reporting from Seoul, highlighted the significance of the disclosure: “This comes as North Korea continues its active development of its nuclear arms capabilities despite the international sanctions as well as objections from South Korea.”

North Korea’s nuclear ambitions have led to an increasing number of United Nations sanctions over the years, targeting its economy and military programs. However, the effectiveness of these sanctions has been in question, particularly as Pyongyang continues to develop its nuclear capabilities. North Korea’s recent actions indicate that it remains undeterred by these punitive measures.

While the UN Security Council has passed multiple resolutions banning North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development, enforcing stricter sanctions has been difficult. Russia and China, both permanent members of the Security Council and longtime allies of North Korea, have blocked efforts to impose additional sanctions and have even called for existing measures to be rolled back.