Kim Jong-un oversaw the assessment of the “nuclear trigger” system’s operational effectiveness.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Jong-un supervised a military exercise simulating a nuclear counterstrike. The exercise, which took place on Thursday, involved launching short-range ballistic missiles and long-range artillery to evaluate the preparedness of the nation’s nuclear capabilities.
The exercise included 600mm multiple-launch rocket systems and the Hwasong-11 (KN-23) tactical ballistic missile, both of which are believed to have nuclear capabilities. The missiles reportedly traveled around 800 kilometers before landing in the sea, showcasing the operational capabilities of North Korea’s missile systems.
The drill also featured an inspection of the “nuclear trigger” system, which is designed to manage and control the nation’s nuclear arsenal and ensure quick deployment when necessary. KCNA stated that “The drill achieved its objective, confirming the reliability of the command and mobilization system to respond rapidly to any nuclear crisis.”
© KCNA
Kim stressed the importance of maintaining the combat readiness of the country’s nuclear forces, emphasizing the need to improve long-range precision strike capabilities and overall weapon efficiency.
© KCNA
Last month, while attending a weapons systems test aboard the DPRK’s Choe Hyon multi-mission destroyer, the North Korean leader urged accelerated efforts to equip the country’s navy with nuclear weapons. After observing the demonstration, he reportedly commented that the warship’s firepower still depended on conventional weaponry and “cannot be considered a reliable means of maritime defense.”
© KCNA
North Korea has consistently condemned the regular joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea in the region as provocative. In response, Pyongyang has increased its missile testing, asserting its right to self-defense and deterrence.
Russia has also pledged to help defend North Korea if it is attacked, under a mutual defense agreement signed last year. The treaty requires both countries to provide immediate military assistance to each other if necessary.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim signed the agreement in June 2024, after which North Korean troops officially joined Moscow’s military operation to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region. Putin later expressed his appreciation for the role Pyongyang’s troops played in liberating the region, noting that they displayed “heroism, a high level of specialized training, and bravery.”
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