North Korean leader Kim Jong Un leads test of large-caliber multiple-rocket launch system

In an effort to strengthen its deterrent against nuclear war, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test of an updated large-calibre multiple rocket system intended for targeted attacks, according to state media on Wednesday.

According to Kim, North Korea would be able to "employ its most powerful characteristics most appropriately and effectively, and thus make it possible to apply it in specific attacks" if the weapons system were upgraded, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. He did not go into detail about the types of attacks that the rocket system is intended to defend against.

Several short-range ballistic missiles were fired from north of Pyongyang towards waters off its east coast, according to reports from South Korea and Japan the day before.

North Korea said it fired four rockets that hit a target in waters 358.5 kilometres from the point of launch.

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The action takes place as North Korea prepares to host a party congress in the coming weeks, a crucial occasion when Kim usually outlines his five-year policy agenda. The North Korean leader stated that building a nuclear submarine was one of his top armament goals during the Workers' Party's most recent congress in 2021.

At the next party meeting, Kim promised to "clarify the next-stage plans for further bolstering up the country's nuclear war deterrent."

The most recent display of force follows a visit to Seoul earlier this week by Undersecretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby, who hailed South Korea as a model ally prepared to play a bigger role in its own defence.

As the Trump administration turns its attention to safeguarding the US homeland, the new US National Defence Strategy, which was unveiled last week, calls on South Korea to take the lead in deterring North Korea.

Pyongyang launched its second ballistic missile of the year after accusing the South of using drones to breach its airspace earlier this month.

The South Korean government has opened an investigation into claims that the unmanned vehicle was dispatched by citizens while denying any involvement in the purported incident. The North claimed to have tested a hypersonic missile following the initial launch in early January.