TLDR:
North Korea has developed a new rocket launcher controller and a new caliber of “controllable shell” that it believes will increase its firepower. The new technology will increase the role of the shell in battlefields due to rapid technical improvement. The country’s scientists verified the technology in a test, firing missiles from a truck-mounted multiple rocket launch system. The test was overseen by the Academy of Defense Science and is part of a series of test firings that have been ongoing. North Korea’s military buildup is seen by some as a sign of imminent military action.
Summary:
North Korea has revealed new rocket launcher technology that it believes will increase its firepower on the battlefield. The country’s scientists recently verified the technology in a test, firing missiles from a truck-mounted multiple rocket launch system. The test was overseen by the Academy of Defense Science, responsible for Pyongyang’s missile programs, and was part of a series of ongoing test firings.
North Korean state media published images from the test, showing the missiles being fired and striking a target. The new technology includes a new rocket launcher controller and a new caliber of “controllable shell.” Pyongyang believes that the new shell’s “strategic value and utility” will increase due to rapid technical improvement.
The development of new military technology by North Korea has led to concerns about the possibility of military action in the region. North Korea’s repeated shows of force and its pessimistic stance on reconciliation with South Korea have led observers to conclude that some form of military action is likely in the near future.
Last month, the United States and its allies accused Russia of using ballistic missile launchers and missiles supplied by North Korea to strike cities in Ukraine. This violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions has raised concerns about the transfer of arms from North Korea. North Korea’s military buildup is seen by some as a response to the increasing military exercises conducted by the United States and its allies near the Korean Peninsula.
The Norwegian Intelligence Service recently released an assessment stating that North Korea has showcased both tactical and thermonuclear warheads, and is likely to possess nuclear warheads adapted to short- and intermediate-range missiles. The report also noted that North Korea considers a credible nuclear retaliatory capability against the United States and South Korea to be a guarantee of regime survival.
Overall, the development of new rocket launcher technology by North Korea is seen as a significant development in its military capabilities. The ongoing test firings and the country’s military buildup have raised concerns about the possibility of military action in the near future.