Daylight Exercise Directed by Kim Jong Un to Prove Weapon Performance
According to military sources on the 23rd, it was confirmed that a Russian military delegation recently visited North Korea. This has led to the analysis that the provocation of North Korea’s super-large artillery on the previous day was carried out to promote and sell weapons systems under their observation.
Our military also believes that the Russian delegation may have witnessed the launch of North Korea’s super-large artillery the day before.
Lee Sung Jun, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Relations Office, revealed in a regular Ministry of National Defense briefing on the day, “Our military is evaluating that North Korea’s ballistic missile launch has a complex purpose such as a show of force against the ongoing South Korea-U.S. joint fleet training, covering up the delay in reconnaissance satellite launch, and demonstrating the performance of super-large artillery for export.”
North Korea usually conducts ballistic missile test launch training early in the morning. Still, it is interpreted that the decision to launch super-large artillery (short-range ballistic missile, SRBM) after 3 PM on the previous day may have been made considering the Russian delegation’s visit schedule.
The Rodong Sinmun, the organ of the North Korean Workers’ Party, reported in its report on the day that for the first time, a 600 mm super-large artillery was operated in the Nuclear Trigger system under the guidance of Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party. However, it did not disclose whether the Russian delegation observed the event.
A diplomatic official also said, “We have been closely monitoring trends in North Korean-Russian military cooperation in close coordination with friendly countries including the U.S.,” but added, “It is difficult to confirm specific information.”
North Korea also announced through state media that a delegation from the Moscow Zoo in Russia arrived in Pyongyang the day before. North Korea did not explain the purpose of their visit. Still, it is speculated that it may be related to activating tourism businesses such as exchange and cooperation between North Korean and Russian zoos.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that our military immediately detected the launch of a flying object presumed to be a short-range ballistic missile launched from the vicinity of Pyongyang to the East Sea around 3:01 PM the day before.
North Korea has strengthened exchanges in various fields, such as military, economy, and culture with Russia since the North Korea-Russia summit held in September last year. In particular, there is ongoing evidence that North Korea is providing weapons and ammunition to Russia, which is at war with Ukraine. In return, Russia is providing military technology and food to North Korea.
